Conviction after 40 years, Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Role in 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots

Former Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Sajjan Kumar has been sentenced to life imprisonment by Delhi Rouse Avenue court for his involvement in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The conviction stems from the brutal killings of Jaswant Singh and his son, Tarundeep Singh, on November 1, 1984, which occurred in the wake of the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Special Judge Kaveri Baweja delivered the verdict on Tuesday, confirming that Kumar played a key role in orchestrating the violence that led to the deaths of the two victims. The case had remained unresolved for decades, with Kumar’s conviction coming after more than 40 years of legal proceedings.

The prosecution had sought the death penalty for the former MP, arguing that the killings were particularly heinous. However, Kumar was sentenced to life imprisonment under Sections 302 (murder) and 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Additionally, he received prison sentences of two years and three years for his involvement in rioting and inciting violence under Sections 147 and 148 of the IPC, with fines imposed for the latter offences.

On February 12, court had found Kumar guilty of these charges, prompting the judge to request a psychiatric and psychological evaluation of himl, following a Supreme Court directive. Kumar is currently incarcerated in Tihar Jail while his case continues to draw attention across the nation.

The case, initially registered at the Punjabi Bagh Police Station, was later transferred to a special investigation team (SIT), which uncovered details about the widespread violence that engulfed Delhi in the aftermath of Indira Gandhi’s assassination. The prosecution alleged that Kumar, along with others, incited a mob to engage in violent acts including arson, looting, and murder, targeting Sikh families in a retaliatory attack. The house of the complainant, the widow of Jaswant Singh, was set on fire after her husband and son were killed.​