On indefinite fast since December 5, death row convict in Beant Singh assassination case ends fast on Friday after he was assured of decision on his mercy petition by December 31
Panthic representatives have decided not to withdraw the mercy petition filed by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for death row convict Balwant Singh Rajoana. They have also appealed to Rajoana to withdraw his proposed hunger strike in jail.
Rajoana, handed the death penalty in July 2007 in connection with the assassionation of then chief minister of Punjab Beant Singh, was to be hanged on March 31, 2012, but a mercy plea was filed before then President Pratibha Patil.
A bench comprising justices B.R. Gavai, Vikram Nath and Sanjay Karol said the petitioner himself never submitted any mercy petition and the alleged mercy petition of 2012 was filed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).