Delhi HC Issues Notice on Balwan Khokhar's Furlough Plea in 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Case
The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Delhi Government regarding Balwan Khokhar's plea for 21 days' furlough. Khokhar, convicted and serving life imprisonment for his role in the 1984 Anti-Sikh riots, challenged the government's rejection of his furlough request. The court has set the matter for further hearing on November 17.
Balwan Khokhar, convicted in the 1984 Anti-Sikh riots case involving killings and arson in Delhi Cantt, sought a 21-day furlough from prison to reconnect with family and society. His request was denied by the Delhi government, prompting him to approach the Delhi High Court. Justice Ravinder Dudeja issued a notice to the Delhi Government and asked for a response, postponing the next hearing to November 17. Khokhar has been serving a life sentence since 2013, convicted alongside former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar. The riots occurred following Indira Gandhi's assassination in 1984, resulting in multiple deaths and destruction of Sikh properties. Alongside this, procedural updates on related cases against Sajjan Kumar and other accused, including trial developments and written submissions by prosecution, were also noted. The multiple appeals and pleas by Khokhar include previous furlough and parole applications, many granted without incident, but his recent furlough plea was rejected due to concern for public peace. The case reflects ongoing judicial processes concerning one of the most tragic episodes in India's recent history related to communal violence.
