Justice Delayed: The Elusive FIR of Kanpur's 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots

The Uttar Pradesh government informed the Supreme Court that the 40-year-old FIR related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Kanpur remains illegible. Despite CFSL's efforts, its contents couldn’t be deciphered. The Supreme Court calls for expedited actions as crucial trials face delays due to a high court stay order.

The Uttar Pradesh Government revealed in the Supreme Court that the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) failed to decipher an illegible FIR registered over 40 years ago concerning the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Kanpur.

Despite expert intervention, only two partially readable Hindi words were identified. The court expressed dissatisfaction but emphasized that if the investigating bodies obtain a material copy, appropriate directions will be issued promptly.

The bench lamented over delayed justice as the high court imposed stays on trial proceedings in several cases. The court urged swift adjudication due to the prolonged struggle to reopen investigations into the massacre of over 130 Sikhs.