Supreme Court Denies Relief To Black Cat Commando In Dowry Death Case

The Supreme Court has refused to provide relief to Baljinder Singh, a Black Cat commando convicted of killing his wife for dowry.

The bench, comprising Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Vinod Chandran, dismissed his plea for exemption from surrender, stating the case did not warrant leniency.

The case dates back to 2002 when authorities accused Singh of murdering his wife over a demand for a motorcycle.

The deceased’s brother and sister-in-law testified that Singh strangled his wife after dowry demands went unmet.

In July 2004, a lower court in Amritsar convicted him under Section 304B of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced him to ten years in prison.

Despite this, the case dragged on in the Punjab and Haryana High Court for two decades.

Singh was released on bail after three years but never returned to custody, leading to a renewed directive for his surrender.

Military service cited in defence

During the recent hearing, Singh’s counsel argued that he had served in the National Rifles for 20 years and participated in Operation Sindoor.

They sought an exemption from surrender based on his military record.

However, Justice Bhuyan countered that Singh’s physical fitness and service record only reinforced the brutality of the crime.

“This is not a case where relief can be granted,” said the court. “Being part of Operation Sindoor does not give one the right to commit atrocities at home.”

The court stated that it grants special relief only in cases involving minor punishments—ranging from three months to a year—and not in serious offences such as dowry death.

The judges also criticised the defence’s argument regarding contradictory witness statements, saying the nature of the crime and the evidence were serious enough to deny exemption.

Time granted to surrender

While rejecting his plea for relief, the Supreme Court granted Singh two weeks to surrender and issued a notice to the concerned parties, instructing them to respond within six weeks.

The ruling sends a strong message that military service does not excuse criminal behaviour within the household.

The court reaffirmed its stance that the dignity and safety of women remain paramount and that those convicted under dowry laws will face the full force of justice, irrespective of their professional background.

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