In the matter of:

Balwant Singh Rajoana – Convict on Death Row

To,

The Hon’ble President of India,

Rashtrapati Bhavan,

New Delhi – 110004.

Subject: Petition for Commutation of Death Sentence of Balwant Singh Rajoana to Life Imprisonment

Respected Madam President,

1. The undersigned most respectfully submits this petition on behalf of Balwant Singh Rajoana, who has been on death row since 2007, seeking commutation of his death penalty into life imprisonment.

2. Balwant Singh Rajoana’s case resonates deeply across Punjab and among members of the Sikh community worldwide. His actions must be understood within the historical context of systemic persecution, neglect, and discrimination faced by the Sikh community, particularly during the turbulent period of militancy in Punjab in the early 1990s.

3. The late Chief Minister Beant Singh, who held office from 1992 to 1995, is widely held responsible for sanctioning large-scale human rights abuses, custodial killings, and excesses by state agencies. In this backdrop of severe oppression and frustration, Balwant Singh participated in an act of retribution that, while legally punishable, carried with it the weight of collective anguish and suffering of his community.

4. Balwant Singh Rajoana has already endured over 15 years on death row, living in constant anticipation of execution. The prolonged delay itself has inflicted a punishment harsher than life imprisonment. His continued incarceration provides sufficient retribution, whereas his execution would serve no meaningful purpose in the interest of justice.

5. This petition does not seek to absolve Balwant Singh of guilt. Rather, it seeks recognition of the extraordinary circumstances, historical injustices, and systemic failures that influenced his actions. The commutation of his sentence would reflect a more compassionate and reconciliatory approach, in line with constitutional morality and the principles of restorative justice.

6. In 2019, the Government of India announced its intention to commute Rajoana’s death penalty to life imprisonment as part of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. However, the mercy petition remains pending without final approval from the Hon’ble President. The delay in decision-making undermines the very spirit of Article 72 of the Constitution, which exists to temper justice with mercy.

PRAYER

In light of the foregoing, it is most humbly prayed that:

The death sentence awarded to Balwant Singh Rajoana be commuted to life imprisonment, considering the unique circumstances of his case.

The mercy petition filed in 2019 be decided expeditiously, ensuring that compassion, justice, and reconciliation prevail over retribution.

We place our trust in the Hon’ble President and the Indian State to demonstrate wisdom, fairness, and humanity in this matter.

With utmost respect,

Punjabi Youth