A Delhi court on Friday ordered the framing of charges against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler in connection with a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case involving the killing of three people. The court cited sufficient grounds to proceed against the accused, marking a significant development in the decades-old case.
The charges relate to the violent incidents on November 1, 1984, a day after the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The violence led to the burning to death of Badal Singh, Sardar Thakur Singh, and Gurbachan Singh, as well as the setting ablaze of the Pul Bangash Gurudwara in Delhi. The Delhi Police registered a case on the same day.
Jagdish Tytler has been discharged from charges under Section 148 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for rioting armed with deadly weapons.
However, Special Judge Rakesh Syal has listed the case for the next hearing on September 13, when Tytler will be required to physically appear in court for the framing of charges under multiple sections of the IPC.
ALSO READ: Tough message for Pakistan by EAM S Jaishankar; ‘actions have consequences’
These charges include Sections 143 (unlawful assembly), 147 (rioting), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), 188 (disobedience of the order duly promulgated by a public servant), 295 (injuring or defiling a place of worship), 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house), 451 (house trespass), 380 (theft in dwelling house), 149 (common object), 302 (murder), and 109 (abetment).
The case was initially registered by the Delhi Police, but the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the investigation in November 2005 following recommendations from the Nanavati Commission. The commission, established in 2000, submitted its report five years later, leading to renewed scrutiny of the case.
ALSO READ: ‘12 years since Nirbhaya…’: President Droupadi Murmu reacts to Kolkata doctor rape-murder, slams ‘obnoxious collective amnesia’
The trial court took cognizance of the charge sheet filed by the CBI on July 26, 2023, and subsequently issued a summons for Jagdish Tytler to appear before the court. Tytler moved for anticipatory bail, which was granted, and later converted to regular bail after he submitted personal and surety bonds.
The CBI’s charge sheet alleges that Tytler was present at the crime scene, with the testimonies of six witnesses, four of whom claimed to have seen him instigating the crowd. The charge sheet also accuses Jagdish Tytler of expressing disappointment over the “less number of Sikhs” killed in his constituency and alleges that he attempted to influence the investigation and intimidate witnesses.
This case remains one of the most significant and controversial legal battles stemming from the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which left thousands dead and have long haunted the Indian political landscape. The upcoming court proceedings will be closely watched as they unfold.
