Congress leader Sajjan Kumar was convicted in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case by the Delhi High Court. Reversing a lower court judgement that had acquitted him, the high court found Sajjan Kumar guilty of criminal conspiracy in the case and sentenced him to life imprisonment. "It is important to assure the victims that despite the challenges, truth will prevail and justice will be done," the Delhi High Court said in its judgement. Sajjan Kumar has until December 31 to surrender and has been directed not to leave the city. The victims of 1984 anti-Sikh riots were represented by senior advocate HS Phoolka in this case.
At the time of the anti-Sikh riots, Sajjan Kumar was a parliamentarian. The court said that the criminals have enjoyed political patronage, and active steps were taken to protect Sajjan Kumar. The case
The trial court in 2013 had acquitted Sajjan Kumar in the case while convicted five others; giving life terms to former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar, retired naval officer Captain Bhagmal, Girdhari Lal. Two others were sentenced to a 3-year jail term.
Here are the live updates on 1984 anti-Sikh riots case verdict:
1984 Anti-Sikh Riots: Amarinder Singh On Sajjan Kumar's Conviction Says Justice Finally DeliveredPunjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Monday hailed the conviction of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in a 1984 anti-riots case, describing it as "a case of justice finally delivered" to the victims of one of independent India's worst instances of communal violence.
October 31, 1984: The then PM Indira Gandhi shot dead by her two Sikh bodyguards at her residence.
November 1-2: Mob kills five Sikhs in Raj Nagar area of Delhi Cantonment.
May, 2000: Girish Thakorlal Nanavati Commission set up to probe riots related cases.
December 2002: Sessions court acquits Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in one of the cases.
October 24, 2005: CBI registers another case on recommendation of GT Nanavati Commission.
February 1, 2010: Trial court issues summons against Kumar, Balwan Khokkar, Mahender Yadav, Captain Bagmal, Girdhari Lal, Krishan Khokkar, late Maha Singh and Santosh Rani, named as accused.
May 24: Trial court frames charges of murder, dacoity, mischief to cause damage to property, promoting enmity between different communities, criminal conspiracy and other sections of the IPC against six accused.
April 30, 2013: Court acquits Sajjad Kumar. Balwan Khokhar, Lal, Bhagmal held guilty for offence of murder, Yadav, Krishan Khokhar convicted for offence of rioting.
May 9: Court awards life term to Khokhar, Bhagmal and Lal, and 3-year jail term to Yadav and Kishan Khokhar.
July 19: CBI files appeal in HC against acquittal of Kumar.
July 22: HC issues notice to Kumar on CBI's plea.
October 29, 2018: HC reserves verdict.
December 17: HC convicts and sentences Kumar to remainder of his life. It also upheld life term of Khokhar, Bhagmal and Lal. Sentence of Yadav and Kishan Khokar enhanced to 10 years in jail.
I want to put on record my acknowledgement for the selfless & tireless service rendered by Senior Advocate Sdr HS Phoolka in ensuring justice for the victims of 1984 Anti-Sikh massacre.@hsphoolka pic.twitter.com/FjL90lxdDx
- Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) December 17, 2018
Today, I am grateful to the court. All lawyers fighting against Sajjan Kumar are very talented. Justice has been served. Captain Amarinder Singh, Rahul Gandhi have lot to answer
Sajjan Kumar Convicted In 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots. Arun Jaitley, Arvind Kejriwal, Sunil Kumar Jakhar ReactsCongress leader Sajjan Kumar was convicted in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases by the Delhi High Court today. Setting aside the lower court's acquittal and pronouncing life sentence for Sajjan Kumar, the high court said, "truth will prevail and justice will be done."
"Truth Will Prevail": Sajjan Kumar Gets Life Term In 1984 Riots CaseCongress leader Sajjan Kumar has been found guilty and has been sentenced to life in jail for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots by the Delhi High Court, which cancelled an earlier court order acquitting him
The coverups are now being defeated. Sajjan Kumar was a symbol of 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The legacy of 1984 anti-Sikh riots hangs around the neck of Congress and Gandhi family."
Justice to 1984 anti-Sikh riots victims finally. Congress leader Sajjan Kumar sentenced to life imprisonment by Delhi HC. Thanks to d efforts of HM Rajnath Singh n MHA of reopening d cases deliberately suppressed by d previous Govt.
- Ram Madhav (@rammadhavbjp) December 17, 2018
Sajjan Kumar's conviction by the Delhi High Court is a delayed vindication of Justice. The Congress and the Gandhi family legacy will continue to pay for the sins of 1984 riots.
- Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) December 17, 2018
Finally the wheels of justice are moving. Sajjan Kumar gets life sentence in the 1984 state sponsored Sikh genocide.
- Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) December 17, 2018
Prime Minister Modi's govt facilitated the re-investigation and formed a SIT to investigate the 1984 genocide. Judiciary looked at all the cases afresh. #Respect
"I welcome Delhi High Court verdict convicting Sajjan Kumar in 1984 riots case. It has been a very long n painful wait for innocent victims who were murdered by those in power. Nobody involved in any riot should be allowed to escape no matter how powerful the
I welcome Delhi High Court verdict convicting Sajjan Kumar in 1984 riots case.
- Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) December 17, 2018
It has been a very long n painful wait for innocent victims who were murdered by those in power.
Nobody involved in any riot should be allowed to escape no matter how powerful the individual maybe.
