Beant Singh assassination: Centre opposes commutation of Balwant Singh Rajoana’s death sentence

Balwant Singh Rajoana. File | Photo Credit: Akhillesh Kumar

The Centre has opposed a plea by death-row convict Balwant Singh Rajoana seeking commutation of the death sentence awarded to him in the 1995 assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh.

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Rajoana, who has been in custody for more than 30 years, approached the Supreme Court over the delay in deciding a mercy petition that has been pending before the President since 2012.

“We have objection to what they are demanding. Considering the prevailing situation in the State [Punjab], it will not be conducive to take any decision,” Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj, appearing for the Centre, told a Bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath.

In view of the Centre’s opposition to the plea, the Bench, also comprising Justices Sandeep Mehta and Aparesh Kumar Singh, said it would proceed to hear the matter on merits.