1984 Anti-Sikh Riots: Delhi Court Order Framing of Charges against Jagdish Tytler

Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Friday (August 30) ordered the framing of charges against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler in connection with the Pul Bangash Sikh Killings case. This case pertains to the murder of three Sikhs near Gurudwara Pul Bangash and the arson of the religious site on November 1, 1984.

Special Judge Rakesh Syal noted, “There is sufficient material to frame the charges against the accused, Jagdish Tytler.” The court directed that charges be framed under Sections 143, 153A, 188, 149, 295, 380, and 436 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), read with Sections 302 and 109 IPC. However, Tytler was discharged under Section 148 IPC. The formal framing of charges is scheduled for September 13, and Tytler has been instructed to appear in court on that date.

This incident occurred in the aftermath of the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had filed a supplementary charge sheet against Tytler on May 20, 2023. On July 26, 2023, the Rouse Avenue Court issued a summons to Congress leader Jagdish Tytler after taking cognizance of the supplementary charge sheet filed by the CBI against him.

The CBI had filed the supplementary charge sheet in relation to the killings in the Pul Bangash area in 1984. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Vidhi Gupta Anand issued a summons to Jagdish Tytler, directing him to appear before the court on August 5, 2023. Following his appearance, Tytler was granted bail.

In a statement, the CBI mentioned that the agency had registered the case in November 2005, concerning the incident where Gurudwara Pul Bangash at Azad Market, Bara Hindu Rao, Delhi, was set on fire by a mob, leading to the deaths of three individuals—Sardar Thakur Singh, Badal Singh, and Gurcharan Singh—on November 1, 1984.

The Justice Nanavati Commission of Inquiry was established in 2000 by the Government of India to investigate the incidents of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi. After reviewing the Commission’s report, the Ministry of Home Affairs directed the CBI to investigate the case against the then Member of Parliament and others.

During the CBI investigation, evidence emerged that on November 1, 1984, the accused allegedly instigated, incited, and provoked the mob gathered at Gurudwara Pul Bangash in Azad Market, Delhi, resulting in the burning of Gurudwara Pul Bangash, the killing of three Sikh men, and the burning and looting of shops.

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