Immediate Release of Sikh Prisoners (Bandi Singhs) Unjustly Detained for Decades
Immediate Release of Sikh Prisoners (Bandi Singhs) Unjustly Detained for Decades
The Issue
To,
The President of India,
The Prime Minister of India,
The Chief Justice of India,
The National Human Rights Commission of India.
Subject: Urgent Appeal for Release of Sikh Prisoners Detained Beyond Legal Limits
Respected Authorities,
We, the undersigned, write with deep concern about the continued imprisonment of many Sikh prisoners (Bandi Singhs) who have been incarcerated for more than 25–30 years, as well as those currently detained under harsh laws like the NSA (National Security Act) and UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) — without sufficient evidence or fair trial.
India, as the world’s largest democracy, is bound by its Constitution to uphold justice, equality, and the right to liberty. However, keeping these prisoners behind bars for decades despite completing their sentences, or without proven charges, is a violation of:
Article 21 of the Indian Constitution – Right to Life and Liberty.
Article 14 – Right to Equality before law.
UN Human Rights Charter – Protection against arbitrary detention.
It is deeply painful that while many convicts from other communities — including those involved in the assassination of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and several high-profile bomb blast cases — have already been released, numerous Sikhs remain in prisons even after serving more than the maximum legal punishment. This stark contrast exposes a grave injustice and discrimination against the Sikh community.
Most of these Sikh prisoners have spent their youth behind bars. Many were imprisoned in politically motivated cases, and today they are elderly, suffering from health issues, and pose no threat to society. Continuing their incarceration serves no purpose other than perpetuating injustice.
We therefore demand:
1. Immediate release of all Sikh prisoners who have completed their legal sentences but are still in jail.
2. Review and withdrawal of cases under NSA/UAPA where there is no concrete evidence.
3. Formation of a Special Judicial Committee to look into all cases of long-term Sikh prisoners.
4. Recognition of their detention as a violation of human rights and corrective action at the earliest.
Justice delayed is justice denied. The release of Bandi Singhs is not just a community demand but a constitutional and humanitarian necessity.
We urge you to take immediate action to uphold the values of justice, democracy, and humanity.
Sincerely,
All Sikh Community
1
The Issue
To,
The President of India,
The Prime Minister of India,
The Chief Justice of India,
The National Human Rights Commission of India.
Subject: Urgent Appeal for Release of Sikh Prisoners Detained Beyond Legal Limits
Respected Authorities,
We, the undersigned, write with deep concern about the continued imprisonment of many Sikh prisoners (Bandi Singhs) who have been incarcerated for more than 25–30 years, as well as those currently detained under harsh laws like the NSA (National Security Act) and UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) — without sufficient evidence or fair trial.
India, as the world’s largest democracy, is bound by its Constitution to uphold justice, equality, and the right to liberty. However, keeping these prisoners behind bars for decades despite completing their sentences, or without proven charges, is a violation of:
Article 21 of the Indian Constitution – Right to Life and Liberty.
Article 14 – Right to Equality before law.
UN Human Rights Charter – Protection against arbitrary detention.
It is deeply painful that while many convicts from other communities — including those involved in the assassination of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and several high-profile bomb blast cases — have already been released, numerous Sikhs remain in prisons even after serving more than the maximum legal punishment. This stark contrast exposes a grave injustice and discrimination against the Sikh community.
Most of these Sikh prisoners have spent their youth behind bars. Many were imprisoned in politically motivated cases, and today they are elderly, suffering from health issues, and pose no threat to society. Continuing their incarceration serves no purpose other than perpetuating injustice.
We therefore demand:
1. Immediate release of all Sikh prisoners who have completed their legal sentences but are still in jail.
2. Review and withdrawal of cases under NSA/UAPA where there is no concrete evidence.
3. Formation of a Special Judicial Committee to look into all cases of long-term Sikh prisoners.
4. Recognition of their detention as a violation of human rights and corrective action at the earliest.
Justice delayed is justice denied. The release of Bandi Singhs is not just a community demand but a constitutional and humanitarian necessity.
We urge you to take immediate action to uphold the values of justice, democracy, and humanity.
Sincerely,
All Sikh Community
1
The Decision Makers
Petition created on 23 August 2025