A Delhi court has handed down life imprisonment to former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar for his role in the brutal killings of two men during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. This significant verdict marks another chapter in the continued quest for justice for the victims of the riots, which resulted in widespread violence against the Sikh community following the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The court's decision, delivered by Special Judge Kaveri Baweja, involved the murder of Jaswant Singh and his son, Tarundeep Singh, on November 1, 1984, amid the chaos of the riots. Sentenced to life imprisonment on February 12, Kumar, 79, has been behind bars since 2018, facing similar charges relating to the riots. The court's judgments are the culmination of decades of prolonged legal struggles and accusations of systemic failures surrounding the investigations of the 1984 riots.
Prosecutors had sought the death penalty for Kumar, underscoring the severity of his actions during the riots. The prosecution noted, "Murder carries maximum punishment of death, but the minimum is life imprisonment." The court recognized the gravity of Kumar's conduct, which was described as deeply reprehensible, yet opted for life imprisonment partly due to his advanced age and health issues. Judge Baweja acknowledged, "While his actions were brutal, his age and medical conditions played significant roles in our decision."
The events surrounding the conviction have reignited discussions about the inadequacy of justice provided to the victims of the riots. Senior advocate H.S. Phoolka, representing the victims, stated emphatically, "The police investigations were manipulated to protect those accused. This case sheds light on the extraordinary circumstances and injustices faced during the 1984 riots, which have rightly been labeled 'crimes against humanity.'" The diminutive number of convictions—just 28 out of 587 FIRs filed—has left many families feeling abandoned by the justice system.
The timeline of Kumar’s legal troubles stretches back several years, beginning with the initial FIR filed against him, which faced numerous delays and legal hurdles. According to records, Kumar had not been chargesheeted initially after the riots, leading to significant delays for the families seeking justice. The case was only revived after the formation of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) at the behest of the Justice G.P. Mathur Committee, which pushed for the reopening of key cases. This committee's findings laid bare the extensive failings of initial police investigations.
Kumar's defense argued against the original accusations, claiming there had been delays and manipulations over time. Kumar's lawyer, Anil Sharma, insisted, "There was no substantial evidence linking him to the crime at the outset, and his identification as the accused came after many years." His past conciliatory conduct during incarceration was also touted by the defense as justification for leniency.
The judge’s ruling also considered Kumar's conduct since imprisonment; he had not made any attempts to escape or exploit legal loopholes such as furlough. Consequently, this influenced the court's decision to impose life imprisonment instead of the death penalty. During sentencing, Kumar was quoted as saying he was "nearly 80 years old" and proud of his good behavior throughout his time behind bars.
The reactions to the verdict have been mixed. Some members of the Sikh community voiced disappointment, feeling justice had still not been fully served, demanding harsher penalties for offenders associated with the riots. Outside the courthouse, Gurlad Singh echoed this sentiment during protests, declaring, "Four decades have passed, and the judiciary's phrase 'justice delayed is justice denied' rings true. We demand only the death penalty for Sajjan Kumar." This sentiment reflects the persistent agony felt by the Sikh community, still mourning their lost loved ones from the violent events of 1984.
Kumar's background as an influential political figure during the time of the riots adds another layer to this tragic narrative. Holding significant political sway, he was previously associated with actions leading to the fatalities of several Sikhs during the post-Gandhi assassination period. His past involvement places him at the center of accusations reflective of broader systemic violence against the community.
Despite the court's ruling, the fight for justice continues as Kumar's previous convictions are currently under appeal at the Supreme Court. The outcome of these appeals will be closely monitored not just by those directly affected, but by the wider public who have witnessed decades of underwhelming accountability for the atrocities committed during the riots. The hope remains for comprehensive justice and reparation for the families of victims caught within the tide of unrest.
The life imprisonment of Sajjan Kumar serves as both closure for some, and as another reminder of the long-held justice struggles endured by families affected by the riots. The legislative and judicial evolutions surrounding this case are being balanced against the calls for societal reflection and change needed to prevent such dark chapters from repeating.