New Delhi, February 25, 2025 – In a landmark ruling, a Delhi court sentenced former Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Sajjan Kumar to life imprisonment on Tuesday for his involvement in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The decision comes after years of legal battles and demands for justice following the gruesome violence that took place after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Kumar was found guilty of conspiring to murder and inciting violence against the Sikh community during the riots, which led to the killing of hundreds of Sikhs and widespread destruction of their properties in Delhi and other parts of India. This conviction is part of a series of legal proceedings aimed at holding perpetrators accountable for the atrocities that took place four decades ago.
The case had been re-examined in recent years after victims and their families pushed for further investigation into the role of political figures in the violence. In 2018, the Delhi High Court had overturned an earlier acquittal of Kumar, sending the case back to trial. The final ruling on Tuesday is seen as a crucial moment in the long struggle for justice for the victims of the 1984 riots.
The sentencing of Sajjan Kumar has sparked renewed discussions about the need for accountability for the tragedy, which saw the systematic targeting of the Sikh community. For decades, many of those responsible for the violence were not brought to justice, fueling anger among survivors and human rights groups.
Tuesday’s ruling represents a significant step towards justice for the families of those affected by the violence. It serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the ongoing fight for legal redress. While the case is still ongoing, this verdict has brought hope that further perpetrators will be held accountable in the future.
