Supreme Court Queries Centre: Why No Decision on Balwant Singh Rajoana's Mercy Plea?
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Supreme Court on Wednesday posed tough questions to the central government regarding the execution of Balwant Singh Rajoana, convicted of the murder of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. The court asked why Rajoana has not been executed yet, given the government's recognition of the case as a serious crime.
During the hearing, a bench of Justices Vikram Nath, NV Anjaria, and Sandeep Mehta asked the central government, "Why haven't you hanged him yet? Who is responsible for this? At least we haven't stayed the execution." Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj said he would respond soon. The court adjourned the hearing until October 15, making it clear that the central government's argument that it needs more time will not be accepted on the next date.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Rajoana, argued that he has been in prison for 29 years and serving a death sentence for 15 years. He pointed out that the court had previously rejected the grounds that the mercy petition was filed by the Gurdwara Committee, not Rajoana. Rohatgi argued that, as per the provisions, it does not matter who files the petition. The case has been pending for so long, and even after two and a half years, the central government has not taken any decision. The court was informed that in January 2024, a special bench headed by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai had given the central government a final opportunity to decide on the mercy petition. The order stated that if the central government failed to do so, the court would make the final decision.
It is noteworthy that on August 31, 1995, a suicide bombing at the Chandigarh Secretariat complex killed then-Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh and 16 others. Rajoana was found to be a part of this conspiracy. On July 27, 2007, a special CBI court convicted him under sections 302, 307, 120-B of the Indian Penal Code and the Explosives Act and sentenced him to death.