Supreme Court Delays Decision on Balwant Singh's Mercy Plea After Solicitor General's Request

In a significant development, the Supreme Court has decided not to upload its earlier order that set a two-week deadline for President Droupadi Murmu to decide on the mercy plea of death row convict Balwant Singh Rajoana. This move came after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta urgently mentioned the case before the court, requesting a delay.

The special bench, comprising Justices BR Gavai, PK Mishra, and KV Viswanathan, had passed the order this morning, directing the President to take a decision on Rajoana's mercy petition within two weeks. However, SG Mehta was absent during the morning proceedings and apologized for not being present.

When the bench was about to adjourn for lunch, Mehta informed the court that the file related to Rajoana's case was still with the Home Ministry and not yet with the President. He pointed out that there were "sensitivities" surrounding the case and asked the court not to finalize or upload its order. The Solicitor General also mentioned that he would seek further instructions from the government and update the court either on Friday or Monday.

In response, Justice Gavai assured the Solicitor General that the matter would be taken up again on Monday, saying, "We are not passing that order."

Balwant Singh, who was convicted for his role in the 1995 assassination of Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, has filed a writ petition, citing a long delay in the decision on his mercy plea and seeking his release.