Supreme Court of India Case number: Appeal Civil 180 of 1987 Petitioner KEHAR SINGH & ORS. Respondent STATE (DELHI ADMN.) Date of Judgement 03/08/1988 Bench OZA, G.L. (J) RAY, B.C. (J) SHETTY, K.J. (J)
Facts
Kehar Singh, Satwant Singh, and Beant Singh were alleged to have plotted and assassinated the Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi in her residence. They were posted to guard her but instead, the conspired and shot her 30 times. After the shooting, they killed to escape but Beant Singh was killed in a crossfire between them (Operation Blue Star) and the police commandos. Also, Satwant Singh was injured and arrested including Kehar Singh and charged to court.
Judgment
The Court held that Kehar and Satwant Singh are guilty of murder and sentenced them to death. On further appeal, the Supreme Court upheld the decisions of the lower court. It added that there is no justification for the murder of the Prime Minister by persons who ought to protect her. As such, killing her with not just one or two bullets but 30 shots showed they were out on a vengeful mission. Both Kehar Singh and Satwant Singh were hanged to death in Tihar Jail.
