Delhi High Court Declines Stay in 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Case Against Jagdish Tytler

The Delhi High Court has refused Congress leader Jagdish Tytler's request to stay proceedings in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case linked to Gurudwara Pul Bangash killings. The court continues to pursue charges against Tytler, rejecting claims of insufficient evidence and citing allegations of instigating violence.

On Monday, the Delhi High Court dismissed a plea from Congress leader Jagdish Tytler seeking a stay on proceedings in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case related to the Gurudwara Pul Bangash killings. Tytler's request was denied by Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri, who stated that the trial at Rouse Avenue court will proceed as scheduled. Tytler's plea, along with the main petition challenging the framing of charges, is set for a November 29 hearing.

During the court session, senior advocates Arvind Nigam and Manu Sharma represented Tytler, arguing that the main witness, Lakhwinder Kaur, wasn't present during the November 1, 1984 incident at the gurudwara and that her statements rely on hearsay. The defense highlighted the trial court's previous acquittal of another accused, Suresh Kumar Panewala, who was charge-sheeted by the CBI in 2009.

The charge sheet filed by the CBI accuses Tytler of inciting and provoking a mob that resulted in the death of three Sikhs: Thakur Singh, Badal Singh, and Gurcharan Singh. Tytler faces serious charges of murder and promoting enmity. His counsel maintains that the trial court's decision to frame charges is flawed and legally unsound. Additionally, Tytler has cited medical reasons, pointing to his health issues documented over several years, in challenging the trial court order.

(With inputs from agencies.)