Satya Prakash
New Delhi, January 20
The Supreme Court today said that the central government should take a decision on the mercy appeal filed by death row convict Balwant Singh Rajoana by March 18 and if this is not done, the court will take a decision on the merits of the case itself. A three-judge bench headed by Justice BR Gwai told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the central government, “We are giving you a last chance…either you decide or we decide on merits.” The bench, also comprising Justice PK Misra and Justice KV Vishwanath, said, “We will hear on merits on March 18…If you take a decision by then, then fine.” Senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi appearing for Rajoana said, “This has been going on since the time of CJI SA Bobde. He has been on death row for the last 15 years and is in jail for the last 29 years. He should be released now.” Rajoana was convicted and sentenced to death in the murder of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh.
