The Supreme Court on Monday gave the Center more time to decide on the mercy plea of Khalistani terrorist Balwant Singh Rajoana, who was convicted of killing Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh in 1995.
The high court was hearing Rajoana’s appeal, which he wants to oppose commuted his death sentence to life imprisonmentciting “excessive delays” in deciding his clemency request. The petition also calls for his release after nearly 29 years in prison, including 17 years on death row.
The bench, comprising Justices BR Gavai, Prashant Kumar Mishra, and KV Viswanathan, warned the Union government that this is the “last chance” and that it will hear the case on its merits if no decision is taken on the next hearing on March 18. .
“At that time, if you can take a decision, that’s good too. In any case, you decide to help us. Otherwise, we will hear you accordingly,” the bench said.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Rajoana, criticized the government’s failure to act on the mercy plea.
“Nothing has happened; they haven’t made a decision yet,” said Rohatgi, pointing out that his client has spent nearly three decades in prison.
Advocate General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the central government, urged the court to grant more time, citing the complexity of the case.
“It is being considered. The court knows it is serious. There are many factors. Please give 4-6 weeks. The killing of a chief minister during a terrorist attack; it is a very serious case,” said Mehta.
Rajoana was sentenced to death in July 2007 for his role in the August 31, 1995, bomb blast at the entrance of the civil secretary’s office in Chandigarh, which killed Beant Singh and 16 others.
A petition by a convicted terrorist says the delay in processing his mercy plea violates his fundamental rights. Earlier, the Supreme Court, on May 3, 2023, refused to commute his death sentence but he allowed a powerful authority to handle the request for mercy.