Congress leader Jagdish Tytler filed a petition with the Delhi High Court on Monday, challenging a trial court order that framed charges against him for his alleged involvement in the murder of three individuals during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in north Delhi [Jagdish Tytler vs. Central Bureau of Investigation and Anr.].
A special CBI court had framed charges against Tytler under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including murder, unlawful assembly, defiling a place of worship, mischief, house trespassing, theft, rioting, and promoting enmity.
In his plea, Tytler argued that the charges are unfounded, as his name was not mentioned in the original FIR, the Delhi Police chargesheet, or any of the CBI chargesheets. He also emphasized that no action was recommended against him in any of the CBI’s earlier filings. His petition further pointed out that all other accused individuals in the case have been acquitted.
Tytler highlighted that the CBI had initially filed a closure report, clearing him of involvement. However, the agency is now relying on the testimonies of witnesses who had previously supported him in 2008 but have since changed their stance, claiming fear of Tytler’s political influence. Tytler also pointed out that witnesses had testified seeing him at Teen Murti Bhawan when the riots began, challenging the basis of the charges.
He argued that the case violates Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, stating, “Despite multiple reports by the investigating agency clearing the Petitioner, he is now being forced to face trial in a case where no offence is made out.”
Tytler, who is 80 years old and suffers from kidney problems, prostate cancer, and a history of heart disease, noted his deteriorating health, having tested positive for COVID-19 twice. His petition characterized the proceedings as a “witch hunt and harassment” for an incident that occurred four decades ago, in which he claims no involvement.
