Punjab CM writes to Governor favouring parole for convict in Beant Singh’s assassination case

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday (August 8, 2026) wrote to Governor Gulab Chand Kataria favouring the grant of 10-day parole to Jagtar Singh Hawara, jailed for life for the assassination of then Chief Minister Beant Singh in 1995, to enable him to meet his ailing mother.

Last month, the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed authorities in Delhi’s Mandoli prison, where Hawara is lodged, to decide the parole application of the Babbar Khalsa terrorist in a time-bound manner after seeking recommendations of the Chandigarh Administration.

In his letter to the Governor, who is also Chandigarh Administrator, Mr. Mann said, “Owing to her old age, the mother of Jagtar Singh Hawara is facing age-related health issues. This has resulted in deterioration of her health, which is a major cause of concern for everyone.” Appealing for relief on humanitarian grounds, Mr. Mann said, “Jagtar Singh Hawara has also filed CRWP No. 3868/2026 before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh, seeking directions for his release on parole.” He further said, “The High Court has also directed that his parole application be considered.” Mr. Mann requested the Punjab Governor to consider granting 10 days’ parole to Hawara at the earliest on humanitarian grounds.

“It is imperative because of the deteriorating health condition of his mother,” he said.

Over a week back, a delegation of Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) had met the Punjab Governor here and sought his intervention in allowing Hawara to meet his ailing mother.

Hawara was sentenced to death, but it was commuted by the High Court.

He is serving imprisonment for the rest of his life in the case related to the blast at the entrance of the civil secretariat at Chandigarh on August 31, 1995, in which Beant Singh and 16 more people were killed.