Protecting the Killers

A Policy of Impunity in Punjab, India

I. Summary

Key recommendations

II. Methodology

III. Background

IV. International and Domestic Legal Standards and Norms

The right to an effective remedy

Superior responsibility

Indian law...

V. Failure of Justice

A. NHRC and the Punjab mass cremations case..

B. CBI failure to investigate extrajudicial killings

C. The murder of Jaswant Singh Khalra: Intimidation of witnesses and superior responsibility

D. The killing of Jugraj Singh: Police intimidation and failure of due process

E. Attacks on civilians: The killing of Charanjit Kaur

F. Harrassment of relatives: The case of Mohinderpal Singh alias Pali

G. The "disappearance" of Ajmer Singh..

H. Dispiriting delays: The killing of Kulwinder Singh alias Kid.. 100

VI. Remedial Framework to Combat Impunity106

Combating impunity106

Right to knowledge: Commission of inquiry107

Right to justice: Special Prosecutor's Office.. 115

Right to reparations: A comprehensive reparations program... 118

Acknowledgements123