NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court will hear on September 22 the appeals of Satwant Singh, Kehar Singh and Balbir Singh against the judgment of the Delhi High Court, confirming the death sentence imposed on them by the trial court for the assassination and conspiracy to kill Mrs Indira Gandhi. The date for the hearing was mutually decided by counsel for the petitioners and the prosecution following a court order. Meanwhile, Mr. Ram Jethmalani has agreed to defend Kehar Singh and Balbir Singh “free of cost”. They were sentenced to death for the conspiracy behind Mrs, Gandhi’s assassination. “Kehar and Balbir have been awarded the maximum punishment under the law and they were also entitled to what they thought was the best possible assistance.” Mr. Jethmalani who argued their case in the High Court said.
While Mr. Kehar and Balbir moved the Supreme Court for orders for appointment of senior counsel of their choice at State expense, Satwant the 23 year old alleged assassin of Mrs. Gandhi filed no such application.
In their application Kehar and Balbir Singh had submitted that they had “no money” to defend themselves in the Supreme Court and sought the court’s assistance for counsel.
Mr. RS. Sodhi advocate on record said that as Satwant was yet to express his choice for a senior counsel, he would argue his case in court.
The Additional Solicitor General Mr. G. Ramaswamy would appear for the prosecution,
On January 22 last year Satwant, Kehar and Balbir were sentenced to death by the Special Trial Judge Mr. Mahesh Chandra.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 4, 1987
