Centre Opposes Commutation of Rajoana's Death Sentence in Beant Singh Assassination Case

The Central Government on [date] opposed the commutation of the death sentence of Balwant Singh Rajoana, convicted in the 1995 assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. Rajoana, who has been in custody for over 30 years, moved the Supreme Court citing the inordinate delay in the disposal of his mercy petition, which has been pending before the President of India since 2012.

Rajoana was sentenced to death in 2007 for his role in the suicide bombing that killed Beant Singh and 16 others in Chandigarh. His mercy petition was filed in 2012, but no decision has been taken, prompting him to seek judicial intervention. The Centre's opposition to commutation underscores the legal and political sensitivities surrounding the case, which dates back to the militancy era in Punjab.

The Supreme Court's decision on this plea could have significant implications for the handling of long-pending mercy petitions and the rights of death-row convicts. The case also highlights the broader debate over the death penalty and the delays in the clemency process in India. The next hearing is expected to address the maintainability of Rajoana's plea and the government's stance.