Anti-Sikh Riots: SC Forms Panel Of Ex-Judges To Scrutinize SIT Decision To Close 199 Cases

A supervisory body has been appointed today by the Supreme Court comprising of two former apex court judges to scrutinise the Special Investigation Team’s decision to close 199 cases in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

A Bench headed by justice Dipak Misra also asked the body to examine the SIT's decision to close additional 42 riots- related cases. The top court directed the supervisory body to examine the issue and submit a report within three months.

The court has posted the matter for further hearing on November 28. The court was hearing a PIL filed by Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee member S Gurlad Singh Kahlon, seeking various directions to the SIT for speedy justice to the victims of 1984 riots.

On march 24 the Supreme Court decided to examine 199 cases which were closed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) 32 years ago in connection to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The court had also directed the Home Ministry to place on record the file pertaining to these cases for examination.

Then Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi had referred to the SIT report from Home Ministry and said total 293 cases were taken up by SIT, out of which 199 cases were closed after scrutiny.

He had said 35 cases were taken for preliminary inquiry, out of which the inquiry was complete in 28 cases and seven were still pending. In addition, 59 cases were sent for further investigation.

Closure reports were filed in 42 cases and 13 were pending. Chargesheets were filed in four cases, Rohtagi submitted.