Delhi Court Reserves Verdict in 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Case Against Sajjan Kumar

December 22, 2025

New Delhi: Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court has reserved its verdict against former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar in the Janakpuri violence case related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The court will deliver its verdict in the case on January 22nd. The hearing concluded on September 23rd.

Court proceedings and final arguments

During the hearing, the CBI informed the court that it would submit its written arguments within a week. Following this, the court directed Sajjan Kumar to present his arguments the following week. The verdict was reserved after the final arguments were completed before Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh.

Earlier, on July 7th, Sajjan Kumar had pleaded not guilty, stating that he was not present at the scene and that there was no concrete evidence against him.

Charges, Testimony, and Legal Status

On November 9, 2023, the victim, Manjit Kaur, recorded her statement in court. She stated that she had heard from members of the mob that Sajjan Kumar was present, but had not seen him in person.

On August 23, 2023, the court framed charges against Sajjan Kumar under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)—147, 148, 153A, 295, 149, 307, 308, 323, 325, 395, and 436. However, the court dropped Section 302 (murder) imposed by the SIT, acquitting him of the murder charge, while retaining the other serious charges.

Verdict Deferred Three Times

The verdict in this case has been postponed three times—on January 31, 2025, January 8, 2025, and December 16, 2024. Each time, Sajjan Kumar, lodged in Tihar Jail, appeared in court via video conferencing amid tight security.

Timeline of Janakpuri Violence

November 1, 1984: Two Sikhs—Sohan Singh and his son-in-law, Avtar Singh—were murdered during the violence in Janakpuri. An FIR was filed against Sajjan Kumar at the Punjabi Bagh police station in this regard.

November 2, 1984: Another violent incident occurred in Vikaspuri, where Gurcharan Singh was allegedly set on fire.
February 2015: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) filed two FIRs against Sajjan Kumar in cases related to the incidents in Janakpuri and Vikaspuri during the 1984 riots.
December 16, 2021: The court framed charges based on the police investigation. The victim’s lawyer argued that an armed mob targeted Sikh homes and properties, carrying out arson, looting, and vandalism in retaliation for the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.