In a key decision, the Supreme Court on Friday deferred the hearing on the petition filed by death row convict Balwant Singh Rajoana seeking commutation of the death penalty, after the Central govt requested the bench to await the decision of the President of India on his mercy petition.

The Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta mentioned that Balwant Singh was awarded the death penalty for assassinating a Chief Minister of Punjab in 1995, possibly out of Khalistani sentiments. The Solicitor General urged the Court to adjourn the hearing "under the present circumstances"(seemingly hinting at the ongoing agitation by Punjab farmers against the Centre's farm laws).

The Solicitor General informed a bench headed by the Chief Justice of India that the government has started the process and that the President will make a decision on the mercy petition.

"Government has started the process. The Hon'ble President will take the decision. I will request Mr. Rohatgi (petitioner's counsel) also to listen to my submission between the lines", the SG said at the outset when the matter was taken.

"The petitioner is accused of assassination of a Punjab Chief Minister, possibly due to Khalistan issue. Your lordship may await the President's decision", the SG added.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the petitioner, highlighted that his mercy petition had been pending for nearly nine years and submitted that the matter should not be adjourned beyond two weeks.

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