Balwant Singh Rajoana writes to PM Modi, seeks early decision on mercy petition
In the letter, written from Patiala Central Jail on September 16, Rajoana said he has been in prison for the past 30 years and has been waiting for nearly 20 years for a decision on his death sentence.
PTC News Desk: Balwant Singh Rajoana, who is lodged in Patiala Central Jail, has written a letter from prison to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking an early decision on his mercy petition related to his death sentence.
In the letter, written from Patiala Central Jail on September 16, Rajoana said he has been in prison for the past 30 years and has been waiting for nearly 20 years for a decision on his death sentence. He claimed that his appeal concerning the death penalty has been pending before the Centre for around 15 years. Rajoana questioned the Prime Minister over why a decision has not been taken despite such a long delay.
Mention of Centre's affidavit in Supreme Court
In his letter, Rajoana also referred to the notification issued in 2019 on the occasion of the 550th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He said the notification has not been implemented so far.
He also referred to an affidavit filed by the Centre in the Supreme Court, claiming that the government had stated that taking a decision in his case could pose a threat to national security.
Death sentence awarded on July 31, 2007
Rajoana also detailed the legal proceedings in his case. He said a court sentenced him to death on July 31, 2007, a verdict he accepted. Later, in March 2012, a Chandigarh sessions court issued a death warrant and ordered that he be executed on March 31, 2012.
Centre stayed execution
An appeal was subsequently made to the President seeking commutation of his death sentence to life imprisonment, following which the Centre stayed his execution.
Rajoana also referred to the anti-Sikh violence of 1984 and the period of unrest in Punjab. He levelled serious allegations against the policies and agencies of the Central government and said there should be no new conspiracy in Punjab.
Rajoana waiting for decision in Jail
Rajoana appealed to the Prime Minister to take an early decision on his pending appeal. He wrote that he would continue to fulfil his duty towards his homeland and community until his last breath.
At the end of the letter, Balwant Singh Rajoana wrote that he was waiting for a decision on his case from Patiala Central Jail.