Centre opposes Rajoana’s mercy petition in Supreme Court
Babushahi Network
New Delhi, October 8, 2026: The Centre Government has opposed the petition of Balwant Singh Rajoana in which he has sought commutation of the death sentence. Balwant Singh Rajoana, a Babbar Khalsa operative was convicted in the 1995 assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh.
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) KM Nataraj told a bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath that they have objection to what they (Rajoana) are demanding. Considering the prevailing situation in the state (Punjab), it will not be conducive to take any decision.
After hearing Centre’s views the bench said it would hear the case on merits.
Bench which also comprised Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh, said that when the Centre was opposing commuting their death sentence to life it will hear the matter on merits.
The top court posted the matter on October 28 after ASG Nataraj sought time to prepare the case. Rajoana’s lawyer, Diksha Rai, has sought to rely on past Supreme Court decisions on this issue.