Court Reserves Judgment in Sajjan Kumar’s Anti-Sikh Riots Case
The Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi has reserved its judgment in the case against former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar, related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The judgment is expected on November 29. This case involves the deaths of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh in the Saraswati Vihar area on November 1, 1984.
Legal Proceedings
Special Judge Kaveri Baweja reserved the judgment after hearing arguments from Sajjan Kumar’s lawyer, Anil Sharma, and additional public prosecutor Manish Rawat. The court has asked Advocate Kamna Vohra, representing the complainant, to submit written arguments within two days.
Arguments Presented
Advocate Anil Sharma argued that Sajjan Kumar’s name was not initially mentioned, and there was a 16-year delay in naming him by a witness. He also noted that a related case is pending appeal in the Supreme Court. Additional Public Prosecutor Manish Rawat countered that the victim identified Sajjan Kumar only after learning about him later.
Context of the Case
Senior advocate HS Phoolka, representing riot victims, argued that police investigations were manipulated to protect the accused. He emphasized that the riots were part of a larger massacre, with 2700 Sikhs killed in Delhi in 1984, and referred to the Delhi High Court’s judgment labeling the riots as a crime against humanity.
Investigation Details
The case was initially registered at the Punjabi Bagh police station and later investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) based on Justice GP Mathur’s committee’s recommendations. Charges were framed against Sajjan Kumar in December 2021 for various offenses, including murder and arson.
The SIT alleged that Sajjan Kumar led the mob responsible for the killings and destruction. Witness statements were recorded, detailing the looting, arson, and murder of the victims.
Doubts Revealed
Court Reserves Judgment -: When a court reserves judgment, it means the judge has heard all the arguments and evidence but needs more time to think before making a final decision.
Sajjan Kumar -: Sajjan Kumar is a former Member of Parliament (MP) from the Congress party in India. He is accused of being involved in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Anti-Sikh Riots -: The anti-Sikh riots were a series of violent attacks against Sikhs in India, especially in Delhi, in 1984, following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Rouse Avenue Court -: Rouse Avenue Court is a court complex in New Delhi, India, where various legal cases are heard and decided.
Special Investigation Team -: A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is a group of police officers or investigators formed to investigate serious cases, often involving complex or sensitive issues.
Charges Framed -: When charges are framed, it means the court has officially stated what crimes the accused person is being charged with, based on the evidence presented.
Murder and Arson -: Murder is the unlawful killing of a person, and arson is the criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property.
