Delhi Court to Decide Sajjan Kumar's Sentence for 1984 Riots

A Delhi court has reserved its decision until February 25 on the sentencing of Sajjan Kumar, a Congress leader, for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Advocates seek the death penalty for Kumar, who has a previous life sentence for related murders in another case.

A Delhi court has reserved its decision on the sentencing of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar for his involvement in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, with the verdict expected on February 25. Kumar, already serving a life sentence for similar offenses, faces the possibility of the death penalty.

The prosecution, along with senior advocate H S Phoolka representing the victims' families, argued that Kumar, as the leader instigating violence, deserves the maximum punishment for his crimes during the riots, which included orchestrated murders that fit the definition of genocide according to the complainant.

The court, presided by special judge Kaveri Baweja, is considering a psychiatric report of Kumar before issuing a sentence, complying with a Supreme Court directive. The decision follows Kumar's conviction by the Delhi High Court for his active role in multiple murders during the riots.