Sri Amritsar- Sri Akal Takht Sahib’s officiating Jathedar and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, in an official statement issued from the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, expressed his concern regarding the delays in delivering justice through the courts. He remarked, "I often reflect on how crucial timely justice is within the judicial system. There are numerous cases where the courts have acted swiftly. However, when it comes to the Sikh community, there are countless cases that still remain locked in files, waiting endlessly for resolution. These are cases of Sikh prisoners who sacrificed their young age for the community and who, despite having completed their sentences, continue to languish in jails."
Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargajj cited the case of Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana, who has been honoured by the Sikh community with the title of "Living Martyr". Bhai Rajoana has now spent 30 years in prison, with the last 18 years in solitary confinement on death row, awaiting a decision in his case. Furthermore, for the past 13 years, a petition seeking the commutation of his sentence has been pending with the Centre Government. Despite repeated orders from the Supreme Court directing the Centre Government to take a decision, neither has the government acted nor has the Supreme Court been able to enforce its own directives, he said.
He pointed out that it has been five years since Bhai Rajoana’s case was last taken up by the Supreme Court. On January 20, the court had directed the Centre Government to take a decision by March 18, warning that otherwise, the court would proceed to hear the petition on merits. However, on March 18, the Supreme Court did not even list the case for hearing.
Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargajj raised a critical question, "Where is the human sensitivity in the pursuit of justice within these courts?" He emphasized that the discriminatory and apathetic approach taken in these matters disregards the dignity, honour, and unique temperament of Punjab and its people.
He further mentioned the recent inhumane actions against protesting farmers at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders, warning that peace cannot return to this region without genuine dialogue and understanding.
Jathedar Gargajj stressed that the only solution lies in opening channels for mutual dialogue and ensuring justice is served promptly and in the true spirit of humanity. He called on the government to abandon its rigid stance and immediately release Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana along with all Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences. "This is not just a question of human rights, but a glaring injustice within the framework of the very constitution under which India’s government and institutions operate. Such behaviour is both inhumane and undemocratic, and it is the government's fundamental responsibility to address it, " he added.
As the voice of the Sikh community, Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargajj announced that he would personally visit the families of all those Sikh prisoners who remain incarcerated despite serving their terms. He also called upon the entire Sikh community to unite under the leadership of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and intensify efforts for the release of these Sikh prisoners, emphasizing that they are the invaluable assets of the Sikh community.