The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of gallantry medals awarded to two police officers who were convicted in the Jaswant Singh Khalra murder case.
DSGMC writes to Punjab CM over gallantry medals for convicted cops
DSGMC president Harmeet Singh Kalka, along with committee general secretary Jagdip Singh Kahlon, wrote a joint letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The letter urges the state government to take immediate action to withdraw the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry awarded to former SSP Ajit Singh Sandhu and former DSP Jaspal Singh.
According to The Tribune, both officers were implicated and convicted in the abduction, torture, and murder of Jaswant Singh Khalra.
Why the demand for medal withdrawal matters
The DSGMC letter states that it is deeply disturbing that officers convicted in one of the most tragic and widely condemned human rights violations in the nation's history continue to retain such prestigious awards.
The committee asserted that allowing these gallantry medals to remain with the convicted officers undermines the principles of justice and the integrity of the awards system.
"It is deeply disturbing that officers convicted in one of the most tragic and widely condemned human rights violations in the nation's history continue to retain such prestigious awards." — DSGMC letter, as reported by The Tribune
Our Take: Justice must be seen to be done
In our view, the DSGMC's demand is a reasonable one. When police officers are convicted of serious crimes like abduction and murder, allowing them to keep gallantry medals sends a confusing message about accountability. The integrity of any awards system depends on the character of those who receive them. If the state government acts on this demand, it would send a clear signal that no one is above the law — not even those who once wore a police uniform.
