1984 Anti-Sikh Riots: Court Orders Framing Of Charges Against Jagdish Tytler

New Delhi: A court here on Friday ordered framing of charges against former Congress MP Jagdish Tytler in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

In its order, the Rouse Avenue court stated there are sufficient grounds to proceed against Tytler on multiple charges, including murder, rioting and abetment.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had filed a chargesheet last year, accusing Tytler of inciting violence during the riots which resulted in the death of three people near Pul Bangash Gurdwara in north Delhi.

Tytler will be tried under sections 143 (unlawful assembly), 147 (rioting), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), 295 (injuring or defiling place of worship), 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house), 451 (house-trespass), 380 (theft in dwelling house), and 302 (murder) of the IPC.

He was, however, discharged from the offence under section 148 (rioting, armed with a deadly weapon).

The court will frame charges against Tytler on September 13, when he has been ordered to be physically present at the hearing.

The deadly anti-Sikh riots took place following the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984. Widespread violence, arson erupted, resulting in deaths of thousands of Sikhs across India.

CBI’s chargesheet against Tytler stated that the Congress leader assured rioters that no legal action will be taken against them. He also asked his followers to attack more Sikhs after comparing the number of killings in his constituency with other places.