1984 riots: SC seeks files of 199 cases closed by 3-member SIT

To find out why a three-member Special Investigating Team (SIT), formed two years ago to probe anti-Sikh riots cases, has closed down 199 cases, the Supreme Court on Friday directed the Central government to submit records of these cases.

The SIT, formed by the home ministry in February 2015, has handled a total of 293 cases related to anti-Sikh riots, out of which it has decided to close 199 after scrutiny.

The SIT comprised two IPS officers in the rank of inspector general, and a judicial officer. It has been constituted following a recommendation of a committee headed by former SC judge jusRohatgi tice (retd) GP Mathur, to look into the possibility of re-investigation of the i984 riots cases.

A bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra said it intends to focus on the 199 cases in which the SIT has decided not to launch any prosecution.

The bench, also including Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice MM Shantanagoudar, gave three weeks to the Centre to submit the records and put the case for further hearing on April 25.

Attorney General Mukul argued that in as many as 262 cases, there was no trace of any victim or witness. On the other hand, senior advocate Arvind Datar, appearing for petitioner S Gurlad Kahlon, argued that “there was no transparency in how the SIT was closing cases”. Datar contended that the SIT has filed only four charge sheets so far in connection with the anti-Sikh riots cases.

The bench asked the Attorney General on setting up a separate body to monitor the riots cases, to which he replied that a highpowered SIT was already looking into them and its tenure will last till August 11 this year.

The 1984 riots that broke out after assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had claimed 2,433 lives in Delhi.

ATTORNEY GENERAL TOLD COURT THAT 262 CASES HAD NO TRACE OF VICTIMS OR WITNESSES