New Delhi: The prosecution has sought the death penalty for former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar, who was recently convicted in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. Kumar was found guilty of the brutal killing of a father-son duo in the Saraswati Vihar area of Delhi in November 1984, during the large-scale communal violence that erupted following the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
As per reports, the public prosecutor is expected to file a detailed written submission urging the court to award the death penalty to Kumar, citing precedents set in cases such as the Nirbhaya gang rape case. The prosecution argues that the nature of the crime and its impact on society warrant the harshest punishment under the law. Alongside the prosecution, senior legal counsel representing various stakeholders has also submitted their arguments in writing.
The court has scheduled the next hearing on February 21, during which arguments on sentencing will be presented. The final decision on the quantum of punishment for Kumar is expected to be closely watched, given the long-standing demand for justice from the victims’ families and the Sikh community.
Delhi LG Grants Relaxation in Employment Rules for Riot Victims
In a related development, Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena has taken a significant step towards rehabilitating the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots by approving full relaxation in educational qualifications and age limits for 88 applicants seeking government jobs. This decision is aimed at providing employment opportunities to those who have suffered immense losses due to the riots and have been struggling for economic stability.
According to an official release from the LG’s office, these relaxations have been granted for appointments to the post of Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) in government services. The move comes after persistent requests from various stakeholders, including the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, public representatives, and groups of riot victims, who had recently met with the LG to seek employment assistance.
This is not the first instance of such relief being provided to riot victims. Earlier, the Delhi LG had sanctioned similar relaxations for 50 other applicants, while an additional 22 applicants were granted age-related concessions. Back in 2006, the Revenue Department had launched a special drive that resulted in the appointment of 72 candidates from riot-affected families to government positions.
The 1984 anti-Sikh riots remain one of the darkest chapters in India’s history, with thousands of Sikhs killed in targeted attacks across Delhi and other parts of the country. Over the years, the victims and their families have fought long legal battles to seek justice and rehabilitation. The latest court proceedings against Sajjan Kumar and the employment relief measures introduced by the Delhi administration mark significant developments in addressing the long-standing grievances of the affected community.