Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
The executive committee of the SGPC on Wednesday passed a resolution urging the Supreme Court to direct the Centre to take an immediate decision on the commutation of the death sentence of Balwant Singh Rajoana. A convict in the assassination of former Punjab CM Beant Singh in 1995, Rajoana was sentenced to death in July 2007.
In the meeting, chaired by president Harjinder Singh Dhami, the SGPC accused the Centre of adopting a “policy of delay” in the matter of Rajoana, and other “Bandi Singhs” (Sikh prisoners). Addressing media after the meeting, Dhami said Rajoana has conveyed his message that the SGPC should withdraw its petition concerning him and ask the Centre to take a swift decision, as he (Rajoana) no longer sees “any difference between life and death”.
Dhami appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to “personally intervene” in the matter and “take a large-hearted decision in case of Rajoana in line with Sikh sentiments.
Dhami stressed that justice must not be denied or delayed. “The government should not retreat from its commitments. The notification issued during the 550th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in 2019 must be honoured in letter and spirit,” he said. He also reminded that the Supreme Court itself had earlier instructed the Centre to make a decision in the case. “Ignoring such a directive is unacceptable. The Sikh community has waited long enough,” Dhami said, adding that the SGPC is “not begging for mercy; we are demanding justice for Sikh political prisoners”.
He said that the SGPC will seek an appointment with the Union home minister regarding the matter and send a senior official to the Ministry of Home Affairs for the same.
The then Punjab CM Beant Singh and 16 others were killed in a blast at the entrance of the civil secretariat in Chandigarh on August 31, 1995. A special court sentenced Rajoana to death in July, 2007 in the case.
A mercy petition under Article 72 of the Constitution was moved by the SGPC on his behalf in March 2012.
The SGPC has also been seeking the release of other Sikh prisoners including Devinderpal Singh Bhullar, a 1993 Delhi bomb blast convict.
Dhami said the SGPC has received a large number of suggestions for the rules concerning the appointment and retirement of the Jathedar of the Akal Takht. He appealed to the Sikh community, especially leading ‘Panthic’ organisations, to send their suggestions to the SGPC so that a comprehensive policy based on collective opinion and sentiments can be formulated.
Dhami said that the deadline for sending suggestions is April 20, after which a committee will be formed to review the inputs.
Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
