Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar now faces a maximum of death penalty and a minimum of life term in prison after being convicted on Wednesday by a Delhi court in a murder case stemming from 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
"Sorry. We are not inclined. Dismissed," a bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde said.
Senior advocate Vikas Singh, representing Kumar, said that his client be granted bail as if something happens to him in jail then his life imprisonment would become death penalty for him.
Kumar, 73, surrendered before a trial court on December 31, 2018 to serve his sentence in accordance with the Delhi high court's December 17 judgment, which convicted and sent him to prison for the "remainder of his natural life".
Kumar was convicted and sentenced to life for the remainder of his life by the high court on December 17 in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Raj Nagar area.
Jagdish Kaur and Narpreet Kaur, whose families were devastated in the riots which claimed over 3,000 lives, said although 34 years is a long time, they were determined to "unmask the accused" and their fight for justice will go on.
The apex court, which dealt with the submission advanced by Kumar's counsel that the former MP be allowed to undergo treatment at a private hospital at his own cost, observed that he cannot be treated as a 'super VIP patient'.
The former Congress leader had sought more time, till January 30, to surrender saying he has to settle family affairs related to children and property and also needs time to file appeal in the Supreme Court against the high court verdict.
The trial court declined the plea of Kumar's lawyer that he be sent to high-security Tihar Jail.
Kumar, who was directed by the high court on Monday to surrender before authorities by December 31, sought more time saying he has to settle family affairs.
A recent survey discovered that Bengaluru has some of the classiest high streets in our country.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances