SC Orders Fast-Track Trial in 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Cases in Kanpur

SC (New Delhi) [India] April 28: On April 28, 2025, the Supreme Court of India took a crucial step towards justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. In a significant development, the court ordered the expeditious trial of 11 cases related to the horrific violence in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The cases, which were reinvestigated, had chargesheets filed against the accused after years of delay. The court emphasized the importance of quickly addressing these long-standing cases.

Concerns Over Delays in Trials

The Supreme Court bench, consisting of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, pointed out the "inordinate delay" in bringing these cases to trial. The court was particularly concerned about the lack of progress in these cases, which have been ongoing for decades. The bench also directed the special public prosecutors to ensure that the cases were dealt with swiftly and without further postponements.

The Issue with the FIR

One of the critical challenges in the case was the illegible FIR from the 1984 riots in Kanpur. The FIR was over 40 years old, and efforts to retrieve its contents were delayed due to the condition of the document. Advocate Ruchira Goel, representing the Uttar Pradesh government, informed the court that the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) had been tasked with reconstructing the FIR. However, the lab had not yet provided a report. The court ordered the CFSL to expedite its efforts to ensure the report was submitted without further delays.

Reinvestigation and Legal Representation

In March 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government took measures to involve forensic experts in reconstructing the FIR. The Supreme Court also allowed victims and their families to engage private counsel if they could afford it, ensuring that they had proper representation. The court also directed the district legal services authority to provide a leading lawyer in cases where the victims could not afford private counsel. This initiative was meant to ensure that justice was not hindered by financial constraints.

A Long-Awaited Push for Justice

These cases, involving the killings of around 130 Sikhs in Kanpur during the anti-Sikh riots, have remained unresolved for far too long. The Supreme Court’s order is a significant step towards delivering justice to the victims and their families. This decision also highlights the ongoing need for accountability and transparency in cases of communal violence. By pushing for an expedited trial, the court has reaffirmed the importance of addressing such grave injustices and bringing closure to the long-suffering families affected by the violence.