Fatehgarh Sahib (December 27, 2010): Various Sikh bodies have condemned the conviction of Dr. Binayak Sen by Raipur Court. In a conference organized at Fatehgarh Sahib (Punjab) on December 27, Sikh bodies including Shiromani Akali Dal (Panch Pardhani), Dal Khalsa, Sikh Students Federation, SAD (International), AISSF; Human Rights bodies like Lawyers of Human Rights International and Sikhs for Human Rights adopted a resolution, approved by the gathering, in this regards.
In this resolution the conviction of Dr. Binayek Sen is termed as clear instance of misuse of process of law and so-called Law of Sedition. The annual conference was held by SAD (Panch Pardhani), led by Daljeet Singh Bittu who is currently confined in Amritsar Jail for political reasons, to commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of younger sons and mother of Tenth Sikh Guru; Guru Gobind Singh.
“Registering a case of sedition against renowned writer Arudhari Roy for expressing herself; convicting Dr. Binayak Sen, a human rights activist who was also engaged in extending medical services to the tribal people, for sedition and sentencing him for life, and charges framed Daljeet Singh Bittu, Chairman of SAD (Panch Pardhani) are clear instances that process law is being misused to suppress free voices, human rights and dissenting political ideologies. While condemning such a practice, as is adopted by India state, the gathering calls upon all those who have faith in respect for Human rights to oppose these undemocratic and dictatorial activities” reads the resolution.
While talking to media SAD (Panch Pardhani) leader Harpal Singh Cheema said that their party strongly opposes the conviction of Dr. Binayak Sen, as the decision of the court does not carry any logic and has resulted in grave injustice.
Student leader and President of Sikh Students Federation, Parmjeet Singh Gazi, termed the decision as a dark spot over the face of Indian judicial system.
Dal Khalsa leaders, Harcharnjeet Singh Dhammi and Kanwarpal Singh, also slammed the state system for stifling free voices. “It shows that how far judiciary is functioning independently in ‘largest democracy on earth’?” they asserted.