The Supreme Court on Monday listed for final hearing in July 2025, the two appeals filed by former Congress leaders Balwan Kokhar and Sajjan Kumar, seeking suspension of sentence awarded in a case related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar and former Congress councillor Balwan Kokhar were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for their involvement in the riots that broke out following the assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984.
The Bench of Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice Aravind Kumar noted that in case the final hearing could not take place as scheduled, the petitioners would be at liberty to seek suspension of sentence from the Court.
During the course of hearing, the counsel appearing for the petitioners contended that one of the convicts was handicapped.
The Bench said it was aware of the facts of the case, including that parole was not granted to the petitioners.
The top court of the country then directed that the trial court records be supplied for review and listed the matter for final hearing in July.
On July 15, 2024, the Apex Court issued notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on a petition filed by Khokhar, seeking furlough.
Earlier in May 2020, the Apex Court had denied interim bail or parole on health grounds to former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar.
The Congress leaders have remained in Tihar jail since December 17, 2018, following their conviction by the Delhi High Court.