Friday, September 23, 2011

Role in 1984 anti-Sikh riots: US court reserves order in case against Kamal Nath

JALANDHAR: A US federal court on Wednesday reserved its order in the case filed against Union minister Kamal Nath over his alleged role in leading a mob during anti-Sikh riots in November 1984 in Delhi.

Judge Robert W Sweet of the US federal court for the southern district of New York heard arguments in the case.

According to Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) attorney Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who is pursuing the petition, Nath failed to produce "statement of interest" from US department of state in support of his claim for diplomatic immunity.

After hearing the arguments from both sides, lasting over 45 minutes, Judge Sweet reserved his ruling.

The plaintiffs requested the court to issue a default judgment against Nath for failing to respond within 21 days after receiving the summons on April 6, 2010. SFJ has already demanded a "jury trial" during which plaintiffs would submit documentary evidence proving participation of Nath and other leaders of Congress in November 1984 Sikh genocide.

In the arguments on Wednesday, plaintiffs emphasized that despite having knowledge about the case and openly acknowledging the receipt of summons and complaint, Nath did not respond within 21 days as required by the law. In fact, Nath completely ignored the summons till August 2010 when plaintiffs moved for entry of default judgment against him, the plaintiff's counsel argued in the court. 





with thanks : times of india : link above for detailed news.

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