SC asks Centre to deposit files in 1984 anti-Sikh riots case

The Supreme Court on 24 March, 2017 directed the Centre to deposit more than 190 files in connection with 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

Expressing serious concern over the closure of more than 190 cases, out of a total of the 293 cases referred to SIT on 1984 anti-Sikh riot cases, the Supreme Court on 24 March, 2017 asked the Union of India to produce on record on April 25 all the files related to closure of these cases by SIT.

Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi told the apex court that SIT in as many as 263 cases had no case files and there was no trace of any victim or witness.

On 20 February, 2017, the Centre filed a status report in the top court on the investigation conducted by the SIT into anti-Sikh riots cases.

The court had asked the government to brief it within four weeks on the steps taken in the matter, after the Centre had said that the SIT's work was "in progress".

Earlier, the Supreme Court directed petitioner Gurlad Singh Kahlon to file his suggestions in connection with the riot cases.

Kahlon had sought the SC direction for setting up of the SIT to ensure speedy justice to the riot victims.

Anti-Sikh riots that broke out after assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had claimed 2,433 lives in Delhi alone.

-ANI