New Delhi, Jan 22 : A Delhi court is expected to pronounce its verdict on Tuesday in a case linked to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots involving former Congress Member of Parliament Sajjan Kumar.
The case pertains to incidents of violence reported from Delhi’s Janakpuri area in the days following the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in October 1984. The trial has concluded, with the court now set to deliver its decision.
How the case reached this stage
Proceedings in the case concluded on September 23 last year. After hearing final arguments, the court reserved its judgment on December 22.
During the final phase of the trial, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) informed the court that it would submit written arguments within a week. Sajjan Kumar was subsequently directed to file his response the following week.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh reserved the verdict.
Sajjan Kumar pleaded not guilty on July 7, asserting that there was no evidence against him. He also told the court that he was not present at the site of the violence.
Charges, testimony and delays
The court recorded the statement of victim Manjeet Kaur on November 9, 2023. She told the court that she had heard members of the mob claim that Sajjan Kumar was present during the violence, though she said she did not personally see him at the spot.
Charges were framed against Sajjan Kumar on August 23, 2023, under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including rioting, promoting enmity, causing injuries, attempt to murder, dacoity and arson.
The murder charge under Section 302, which had been invoked by the Special Investigation Team, was later dropped. With its removal, Sajjan Kumar was discharged from the murder count, while the remaining charges continue to stand.
The verdict has been deferred three times earlier on December 16, 2024, January 8, 2025, and January 31, 2025.
On each occasion, Sajjan Kumar, who is currently lodged in Tihar Jail, appeared before the court via video conferencing under tight security arrangements.