Ex-Cong MP Sajjan Kumar sentenced to life in prison

1984 ANTI-SIKH RIOTS

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NEW DELHI: Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a Delhi court for his role in the murder of two individuals during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, adding another chapter to the decades-long pursuit of justice for victims of the violence.

Special Judge Kaveri Baweja delivered the verdict on Tuesday, determining that while Kumar's actions were "brutal and reprehensible," various factors, including his advanced age and health condition, warranted a life sentence rather than the death penalty.

"The 'satisfactory' conduct of the convict as per the report of the jail authorities, the ailments from which he is reportedly suffering, the fact that the convict has roots in the society and the possibility of his reformation and rehabilitation are material considerations that, in my opinion, tilt the scales in favour of sentence for life imprisonment instead of death penalty," the court stated in its order.