SC puts on hold order on Rajoana's mercy plea

THE Supreme Court on Monday put on hold its order directing President Droupadi Murmu's secretary to place before her the mercy petition of death row convict Balwant Singh Rajoana, convicted in the 1995 assassination case of then Punjab chief minister Beant Singh, for consideration.

- SUCHITRA K MOHANTY

After the order was passed, Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, argued that it should not be given effect as there are "sensitivities," involved and that it be heard on November 22.

Earlier in the morning, before the SG's request, the court asked the President's office to decide within two weeks Rajoana's plea, else it would have to take a decision on his interim prayers. "In case no decision is taken by the ne Xt date, we will consider the prayers made for interim relief. List the case next on December 5, 2024 at 10:30 am," a bench led by Justice B R Gavai said.