Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday, April 13, paid heartfelt tributes to the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, emphasizing the enduring courage and sacrifice of those who lost their lives. The tragic event, where British colonial forces fired on unarmed protesters in Amritsar, remains a poignant symbol of India’s struggle for freedom.

In a post on X, Modi wrote, “We pay homage to the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh. Their indomitable spirit will forever inspire coming generations.” Reflecting on the massacre’s significance, he added, “It was a dark chapter in our nation’s history, but their sacrifice became a turning point in India’s fight for independence.”

The massacre occurred when hundreds of peaceful demonstrators, gathered to oppose the repressive Rowlatt Acts, were gunned down without warning by British troops at Jallianwala Bagh, leaving a deep scar on India’s collective memory.

Echoing similar sentiments, Gandhi stated, “I offer my humble tribute to the brave martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.” He described the tragedy as “a stark reminder of a dictatorial regime’s cruelty, one this country will never forget.” Gandhi stressed that the martyrs’ stand against injustice continues to motivate future generations to resist oppression and fight for justice.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also honoured the fallen, saying, “We bow our heads to the immortal martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh.” He praised the unarmed freedom fighters for their patriotism, courage, and selfless sacrifice, noting, “Their unforgettable contribution to the freedom struggle will live on forever in the heart of a grateful nation.”

On this day in 1919, British troops unleashed horror at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, gunning down over 1,000 unarmed civilians protesting the draconian Rowlatt Acts. General Reginald Dyer’s orders turned a peaceful gathering into a bloodbath, trapping men, women, and children in the walled garden. The massacre ignited nationwide fury, becoming a pivotal moment in India’s independence struggle. Now a memorial, the site stands as a solemn tribute to the martyrs’ unyielding spirit.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is likely to file a review petition against the Supreme Court’s April 8 verdict which asserted judicial oversight over delays by Governors in assenting to Bills passed by State legislatures. The ruling also mandated a three-month deadline for the President to act on Bills forwarded by Governors.

According to senior government sources, the petition is currently being prepared. Officials argue that the verdict imposes rigid timelines and could alter constitutional procedures concerning the legislative process at the state level.

Centre raises concerns over potential revival of lapsed Bills

A key point of contention, officials say, is that the ruling opens a pathway for previously lapsed Bills to be revived. One official noted that the judgement enables the restoration of a Bill that should have been considered void after the President withheld assent or returned it. Under constitutional norms, such legislation must be reintroduced in the State Assembly.

“The judgement does not account for the fact that once assent is withheld or a Bill is returned by the President, it lapses and requires fresh passage,” the official remarked.

The issue stems from a petition filed by the Tamil Nadu government in November 2023, after the State’s Governor indefinitely delayed assent to ten Bills, some dating back to 2020. Following the apex court’s decision, the Tamil Nadu government notified the ten Acts in its Gazette on Saturday, treating them as having received “deemed assent.”

MHA questions Supreme Court’s timeline stipulation

Officials have also taken issue with the three-month timeline imposed by the court, arguing that such fixed deadlines are not appropriate in all legislative contexts. “The timelines decided by the court will also have to be reconsidered,” an official said.

The review will be filed before the same Bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan, which delivered the April 8 verdict.

The MHA, under Article 201 of the Constitution, acts as the nodal agency for coordinating the President’s response to state legislation. The President can deny assent to a Bill on grounds including conflict with central laws, divergence from national policy, or legal and constitutional issues.

Sukhbir Singh Badal, who previously resigned from his position in November of last year, was re-elected unopposed as the president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Saturday, April 12.

Following a determination by the Akal Takht, which deemed him ‘tankhaiya’ (guilty of religious improprieties) due to “errors” made by the Shiromani Akali Dal and its administration, Badal had been engaged in voluntary service at the Golden Temple. Notably, he survived an assassination attempt in December 2024 during this challenging period.

A total of 524 delegates from Punjab and various other states cast their votes in favor of Sukhbir Singh Badal. His candidacy was put forward by Balwinder Singh Bhundar, the working president of the party, and was seconded by fellow party leader Paramjit Singh Sarna. The election took place at the Teja Singh Samundari hall located within the Sri Darbar Sahib complex in Amritsar, according to reports.

As part of its electoral process, SAD appointed a total of 567 delegates, selecting four representatives from each of the 117 Assembly constituencies across Punjab, as per the reports. Prominent party figures in attendance included Badal’s wife and Bathinda MP, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, former ministers Bikram Singh Majithia and Daljit Singh Cheema, as well as senior leader Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal.

Sukhbir Badal has been leading the Shiromani Akali Dal since 2008, when he took over from his father, the esteemed Parkash Singh Badal. He held this leadership role until his resignation in 2024.

Following his re-election, the party is scheduled to host a political conference on April 13 at Talwandi Sabo (Bathinda), where Badal will address party members, reports further suggested.

On January 10, the SAD working committee formally acknowledged Sukhbir Singh Badal’s resignation from the position of party chief. Badal had initially stepped down on November 16; however, the committee urged him to withdraw his resignation, indicating that they would collectively resign if he did not reconsider.

On December 4, 2024, during a significant security incident at the Golden Temple, Sukhbir Singh Badal was targeted in a shooting while fulfilling his duties as a volunteer (‘sevadar’). Despite being in a wheelchair at the time, he escaped injury, as the bullet struck a nearby wall.

The assailant, identified as Narayan Singh Chaura, was subdued by bystanders outside the Golden Temple. Badal was serving a religious punishment (‘tankhah’) which had been imposed by the Akal Takht—the highest authority within the Sikh community—due to “mistakes” linked to his father, Parkash Singh Badal, during his tenure as Chief Minister from 2007 to 2017.

Following the directive, Sukhbir was required to volunteer at multiple significant Sikh sites, including Takht Damdama Sahib, the Darbar Sahib in Muktsar, Fatehgarh Sahib, and the Golden Temple, dedicating two days to each location.