HC seeks Delhi govt’s reply on ’84 riots convict’s furlough plea

The Delhi High Court on Friday sought the response of the Delhi Government on a petition filed by former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar, who is serving a life sentence in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, seeking furlough to reconnect with his family and re-establish social ties.

Justice Ravinder Dudeja issued notice to the Delhi Government and jail authorities, directing them to file a status report before the next date of hearing. The matter has been listed for further consideration on November 17.

The court, which had earlier scheduled the hearing for December 16, allowed Khokhar’s plea for an early listing and took up the main petition on Friday.

Khokhar has challenged a September 4 order of the jail authorities rejecting his furlough application on the ground that his release could disturb public peace and order. He has sought a 21-day furlough, submitting that he has already undergone a substantial part of his sentence and wishes to reconnect with his family and community.

Furlough is a temporary release from prison, granted to long-term convicts for maintaining family and social relations. It does not amount to suspension or remission of the sentence.

Khokhar, along with four others, was convicted in 2013 by a trial court for offences, including murder and rioting, in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh violence. Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar was acquitted in the same case.

The case pertains to the killing of five Sikh men and the torching of a gurdwara in Raj Nagar, Ghaziabad, on November 1, 1984, a day after the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

In December 2018, the Delhi High Court upheld Khokhar’s conviction and life sentence while overturning Kumar’s acquittal. Khokhar’s appeal against the 2018 judgment is currently pending before the Supreme Court.