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SGPC asks Akal Takht to take call on withdrawal of Rajoana’s mercy plea
The SGPC has approached Akal Takht to seek guidance on whether to withdraw the petition for commutation of Balwant Singh Rajoana's death sentence. This follows Rajoana's repeated requests to withdraw the mercy petition filed with the President, and a prior outreach by Rajoana in 2023. SGPC says the petition was filed under Akal Takht's directives and will abide by Akal Takht's guidance amid a noncooperative stance from the central government.
Why It Matters
The development affects a high-profile death-row case tied to religious and political institutions in Punjab, highlighting tensions between religious authorities and the central government over clemency petitions.
Timeline
5 Events
SGPC seeks guidance from Akal Takht on withdrawal of mercy petition
April 20, 2026
After an executive committee meeting, the SGPC filed to seek guidance and directions from Akal Takht on whether to withdraw the petition for commutation of Balwant Singh Rajoana's death sentence, following his repeated request.
Rajoana writes to Akal Takht and SGPC seeking withdrawal of mercy petition
2023
In 2023, Rajoana wrote to the Akal Takht jathedar and appealed to withdraw his mercy petition.
Execution stay granted after mercy petition
March 28, 2012
The planned execution on March 31, 2012 was stayed three days earlier by the then UPA government following a mercy petition filed by the SGPC.
Death sentence imposed on Rajoana
July 2007
Rajoana was sentenced to death in July 2007 for his role in the Beant Singh assassination.
Beant Singh assassination: Rajoana's conviction
1995
Balwant Singh Rajoana was convicted for his role in the 1995 car bomb attack outside the Punjab civil secretariat that killed former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh and 16 others.