NEW DELHI: Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee President Harmeet Singh Kalka today demanded release of Bandhi Sikhs (Sikh Detenues) languishing in different jails across the country for 30-35 years, even as they have completed their sentences since many years.
Kalka said this in the wake of August 12 order of the Supreme Court expressing concerns over prisoners languishing in jail even after completing their sentence and directed all states and Union territories to immediately release any such convict if he or she is not wanted in any other case.
“The demand for release of Bandhi Sikhs has received credence now, after the orders of the Apex Court’s orders, ” said S. Kalka in a press release issued here. “Copy of this order should be circulated by Registry to Home Secretaries of all states and UTs to ascertain whether any accused or convict has remained in jail beyond the period of sentence, ” the Supreme Court double bench added in the order. “These ordered be followed in true spirit, ” demanded S. Kalka making a passionate appeal for the release of the Sikh Detenues.
“Issue directions for release of such convicts if not wanted in any other case, ” added the SC order further making a point that a similar copy shall be send to member secretary National Legal Service Authorities for onward transmission to all member Secretaries of state and UTs Legal Service Authorities for communication of District Legal Service Authorities in the states for the implementation of judgment, ” the judgment has added.
There have been many Sikh Detenues who have not come home even once even on furlough or parole, after their arrest, but now they have been sentenced and have completed their respective sentence. They are changed persons and the situation has also changed now form what was when they were arrested, said S. Harmeet Singh Kalka issuing an appeal to different state governments and the Centre to process the pending cases of Bandhi Sikhs for their release.