Balwant Singh Rajoana is a former Punjab Police constable who was convicted for his involvement in the 1995 assassination of Beant Singh, the then Chief Minister of Punjab. This attack was part of a larger extremist movement associated with the Babbar Khalsa, a militant group advocating for Khalistan. Rajoana received a death sentence for his role in this significant incident in Punjab's political history.
Rajoana did not personally file a mercy petition. Instead, a plea seeking commutation of his death sentence to life imprisonment was submitted on his behalf by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in 2012. This move was aimed at mitigating the severity of Rajoana's sentence.
The mercy petition is currently under consideration by the President of India, as outlined in Article 72 of the Indian Constitution. This article grants the President the power to grant pardons or commute sentences. However, the Supreme Court has refrained from making any immediate decisions, emphasizing the necessity to confirm the status of the plea with the Central Government.
The bench of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Bhushan R. Gavai, opted against issuing any immediate directives for Rajoana’s release. The court highlighted the importance of obtaining further clarifications from both the Centre and the Punjab government regarding the status and review of the mercy petition before proceeding.
Rajoana's potential release poses significant political implications, particularly in light of Punjab's history with violent separatist movements. His release could potentially reignite political and social tensions, especially in areas with pro-Khalistan sentiments. The Indian government is taking a cautious stance, considering national security concerns and the reactions of victims' families as well as the broader political landscape in Punjab.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for November 18. During this session, both the Centre and the Punjab government are expected to present their positions, which will aid the court in determining the appropriate course of action regarding Rajoana’s clemency plea.
Q1. Who was involved in the assassination of Beant Singh?
Answer: Balwant Singh Rajoana, a former Punjab Police constable, was convicted for his role in the assassination of Beant Singh in 1995 as part of the Babbar Khalsa extremist movement.
Q2. What is Article 72 of the Indian Constitution?
Answer: Article 72 grants the President of India the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment under certain circumstances, including death sentences.
Q3. What organization filed the mercy petition for Rajoana?
Answer: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) filed the mercy petition on behalf of Balwant Singh Rajoana in 2012, seeking commutation of his sentence.
Q4. Why is Rajoana's case politically sensitive?
Answer: The case is politically sensitive due to the historical context of separatist movements in Punjab and the potential for his release to exacerbate tensions in regions with pro-Khalistan sentiments.
Q5. When is the next hearing for Rajoana’s case?
Answer: The next hearing for Balwant Singh Rajoana’s case is scheduled for November 18, where the Supreme Court will review positions from both the Centre and Punjab government.
Question 1: Who was convicted for the assassination of Beant Singh?
A) Balwant Singh Rajoana
B) Kamini Kaushal
C) Amandeep Singh
D) Harpreet Singh
Correct Answer: A
Question 2: What organization filed a mercy petition for Rajoana?
A) Punjab Congress
B) Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee
C) Aam Aadmi Party
D) Indian National Congress
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What legal article allows the President to grant pardons?
A) Article 21
B) Article 32
C) Article 72
D) Article 19
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: When was the assassination of Beant Singh?
A) 1990
B) 1995
C) 2000
D) 1998
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What is the next hearing date for Rajoana's case?
A) November 10
B) November 5
C) November 18
D) December 1
Correct Answer: C
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