1984, Justice delayed but not denied.

‘The past is never dead, it is not even past.’

Not only sikh community but every country men will agree with this famous quote by William Faulkner.

Thirty four years, a long term wait for justice, by whom? Victims or Survivors? Victims aren’t alive to appreciate justice and the survivors are still dealing with the loss. Records show that around 3000 people died in the riots but what about the souls of the accused which died long ago to perform such a heinous mass slaughter.

Sajjan Kumar was among the Congressmen who have routinely been named by eye witnesses who led the mob for violence and live burning of around 3000 sikhs in Delhi. Recently, Delhi High Court has given hope to thousands of families who have waited for justice for more than 34 years. In reversing the earlier verdict and now sentencing Kumar to imprisonment for the remainder of his life, the Delhi High Court has reignited hope for substantial justice.

This case is a perfect example of slow judicial process, poor investigations and misuse of power. It was only after the CBI filed an appeal against Kumar’s acquittal in 2013, alleging that he and his accomplices were engaged in “a planned communal riot” and “religious cleansing”.

The fact that some Congressmen led the widespread violence in Delhi soon after the death of Indira Gandhi by her two sikh bodyguards in 1984 has been an open secret for all these decades. It just took these years by the CBI and Judiciary to prove and approve it.

The court relied on the attestment of three eyewitnesses, Jagdish Kaur, Jagsher Singh and Nirpreet Kaur, and said the accused had been brought to justice because of their “courage and perseverance.” What to say, It must be difficult for them and for all of the survivors to carry the load of the past and live each day with heavy heart. Survival is difficult but living with horrific past and undelivered justice is more difficult.
With Sajjan Kumar moving to Supreme Court against Delhi High Court verdict, we just hope Supreme Court will give one more remarkable verdict like Tripple talak, Section 377, adultry etc.