‘SC has shown justice within reach’

On a petition by S. Gurlad Singh Kahlon, the SC took the decision to form a panel to review the closed cases.

The Supreme Court’s decision to appoint a supervisory committee to look into the 241 anti-Sikh riots cases, which were closed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), was welcomed by many who have been fighting for justice for over three decades now.

“It is shameful if you cannot deliver justice to the thousands who were killed during the riots. They were all ultimately citizens of the country. If you cannot deliver justice to these people, then how does the term ‘Independent India’ even manage to hold true?” sais S. Gurlad Singh Kahlon, the petitioner.

Calling the genocide a ‘blot on the face of Independent India’ Mr. Kahlon recounted: “As a 12-year-old I witnessed the massacre that took place in 1984. I consider it to be my social responsibility to fight for my community, which was affected by the bloodbath. All those killed are my family. Considering the fact that there has been a huge time lapse, steps should be taken to at least provide symbolic justice to those affected.”

“All three crimes including murder, loot and rape are heinous crimes for which strict punishment should be meted out the accused,” he added.

‘A welcome move’

Aam Aadmi Party member from Punjab and an advocate H.S. Phoolka, who has been fighting on behalf of the riot victims for two decades said: “We welcome the SCs decision. It is a very good step and the SC has shown that even today justice can be met. This reflects the fact that the law of the land needs to be enforced regardless of the lapse in time.”

“There was hardly any transparency in the investigations as the SIT got renewed every now and then. After reviewing the investigations carried out by the SIT in these cases, the committee is expected to submit a report in three months” said advocate Shikha Sarin, who has been actively involved in the case.