SC directs AIIMS to conduct Sajjan’s medical examination

NEWDELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to conduct a medical examination of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, a convict in the 1984 anti-sikh riots case, and submit a report within a week.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) SA Bobde and comprising Justices BR Gavai and Surya Kant refused to give immediate relief to Sajjan and posted the matter for further hearing without giving any date.

The apex court, while hearing

Sajjan’s petition seeking bail on medical grounds, said that he should be presented before the AIIMS board on Thursday, which will determine whether his hospitalisation is required or not.

Appearing for Sajjan, advocate Vikas Singh sought immediate interim bail claiming that he (Sajjan) is seriously ill and that his health was not improving.

Senior lawyer Dushyant Dave, appearing for one of the victims, alleged that the entire system is working for them (convicts).

“Over 660 innocent people were slaughtered in his constituency, so he shouldn’t be given any special treatment like being admitted to a private hospital and then being tested,” Dave told the court.

Sajjan, 74, in his bail application contended that he has been in jail since December 2018 and has lost 8-10 kilograms since then.

The top court had earlier this month declined Sajjan’s plea seeking interim bail and had scheduled the matter for hearing after the Holi vacation.

Sajjan, who is the main accused in a case relating to the killing of five members of a family in Raj Nagar during the 1984 riots, was convicted on December 17, 2018, by a Delhi court and was awarded a life term.