Chidambaram Criticizes Amit Shah’s Claims on Afzal Guru Execution Delay

Speedy Summary

• Congress leader P.Chidambaram responded to Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks in the Rajya Sabha alleging delays in carrying out Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru’s death sentence during Mr. Chidambaram’s tenure as Home Minister.
• Mr. Shah claimed that Guru’s execution was postponed for provided that Mr. Chidambaram held office.
• Mr. Chidambaram rejected the statement, calling it a “mixture of insinuation, lie and distortion.”
• He clarified that:

– Afzal Guru’s wife filed a mercy petition to the President on his behalf in October 2006.
– The petition was rejected by the president on February 3, 2013.
– The execution took place six days later, on February 9, 2013.

• During this timeline, Mr. Chidambaram served as Home Minister from December 1,2008 to July 31,2012; according to him,the law prevented execution while a mercy petition was pending.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The disagreement between senior political leaders exemplifies how sensitive issues such as terrorism and judicial processes often become points of contention in India’s political discourse. While Home Minister Amit Shah aimed to link delays with decisions taken under P. Chidambaram’s tenure, the latter countered with procedural details that highlight the legal complexities tied to death penalty cases involving mercy petitions.

This episode underscores critical institutional processes governing capital punishment in India and raises questions about accountability versus adherence to protocol within democratic systems. It also reflects broader debates over politicizing sensitive national security matters-a trend arguably detrimental if not managed responsibly.

Link for read more: The Hindu