New Delhi, February 26: On Tuesday Delhi court sentenced former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar (80) to two life terms for his involvement in the brutal killing of a Sikh man and his son during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The court described the crimes as “undoubtedly brutal and deplorable.”
The two life sentences one for the murders and another under Section 436 of the IPC (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy property) will run concurrently. The court had convicted Kumar on February 12 for the murder of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh in Saraswati Vihar.
Four-Decade Struggle for Justice
The verdict marks a significant moment in the long fight for justice for victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which followed the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. As per the Nanavati Commission report, 587 FIRs were filed in Delhi related to the riots, with 2,733 deaths recorded. However, 240 cases were closed as ‘untraced,’ 250 resulted in acquittals, and only 28 led to convictions, with 400 individuals convicted so far 50 of whom were found guilty of murder, including Kumar.
Kumar’s Previous Conviction and Ongoing Cases
Kumar is already serving a life sentence awarded by the Delhi High Court in 2018 for his role in the murder of five Sikhs in another rioting incident in 1984. The court had specified that he would remain in prison for the rest of his life.
Despite the gravity of the present case, the court declined to categorize it as a “rarest of rare” case warranting the death penalty. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja stated Kumar’s age, deteriorating health, and the fact that he has been in jail since 2018 as mitigating factors. His conduct in prison, as reported by Tihar Jail authorities, was also considered in favor of a life sentence instead of capital punishment.
Legal Implications of the Sentencing
Senior advocate H.S. Phoolka, who represented the complainants, explained that while the two life sentences will run concurrently, they will significantly impact any future bail applications filed by Kumar. “The minimum prescribed sentence for murder and the maximum for Section 436 IPC has been awarded. Although they run concurrently, these multiple life sentences will make it much harder for Kumar to secure bail,” Phoolka stated.
The court underscored the brutality of the crime, stating that the victims witnessed the murder of their family members and the burning of their house and belongings by the rioting mob, of which Kumar was an active participant. The helplessness of the victims and the inaction of the police were also highlighted as aggravating factors.
Kumar’s Health and Pending Appeals
According to a report from Tihar Jail, Kumar is frail, suffers from multiple health issues, and requires assistance with daily activities. He has been prescribed antidepressants and sleep medication but does not currently require psychiatric intervention. His appeal against the 2018 conviction is pending before the Supreme Court, while another case related to the Janakpuri riots remains under trial.
Despite his prior pardon in a 2023 case related to a murder in Sultanpuri, the state has appealed against that verdict in the Delhi High Court. With another case due for a hearing on February 18, legal battles continue for Kumar, even as his latest sentencing reinforces accountability for one of India’s darkest chapters.
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