A bench led by Chief Justice of India UU Lalit asked the Union government to spell out its stand on the mercy petition filed by Balwant Singh Rajoana in the Punjab former Chief Minister Beant Singh's assassination case.

Justice Lalit said "We are not forcing you to take what decision....but you have to take a decision. The Bench had earlier asked the centre government to take a decision in 2 months when the petition was last listed. The order while giving 2 months time to Cenral Government, stated that a decision is to b taken without being influenced by the pendency of the Appeal. The Court has directed the responsible officer to file its affidavit by 29.09.2022. The Bench observed "The time of two months granted on May 2 has expired long back. However, it is submitted by Addl. Solicitor General KM Natraj, no decision has been taken by the authorities concerned. The matter is adjourned at the ASG's request to Friday as the first time on board.". 

On asking the advocate about the concerned officer, the bench said "The moment we  pass a direction, they will have to consider the mercy petition."

The advocate for the accused submitted that the convict had been in jail for more than 26 years and on death row since 2007. Former Chief Minister Beant Singh was killed with 16 others in an explosion outside the Civil Secretariat in Chandigarh in 1995 and the accused was sentenced to death in 2007 by a Special Court. The Mercy petition is also pending for last 8 years.