Meerut: In the end, all that accused Rajendra Singh — wobbly and slightly unsteady on his feet due to his advancing years — had to do was stand in court for a day. That was the sentence handed to him by a court in Baghpat after a trial that stretched on for 27 years and saw more than 100 hearings. Singh, 80 now, thanked his stars and went home a free man.CJM Manindrapal Singh gave the order after the octogenarian confessed to the crime he was charged with and pleaded for leniency, citing his old age and frail health. Taking the admission of guilt and Singh’s infirmity into consideration, the judge pronounced the unusual but empathetic punishment. Singh, who remained standing “till the rising of the court”, effectively serving a small, symbolic sentence in the courtroom, was also fined ₹1,000.The case dates back to June 26, 1999, when Dhara Singh of Sarurpur Kalan village lodged an FIR against fellow villager Rajendra Singh and two others for criminal intimidation. The complainant alleged that Singh had abused him and threatened to kill him during a dispute.Following an investigation and subsequent chargesheet, Singh’s case records were separated from the other accused, and his trial proceeded, clocking one year after the other.For nearly three decades, Singh faithfully attended numerous hearings. Recently, though, after failing to appear in court due to an ailment, an arrest warrant was issued against him, with a notification that called for his properties to be attached.Following the sentence, Singh said, “I am 80, and suffer from a host of health issues. Traveling to court and attending hearings was becoming tougher with every passing year. I thank the court for finally ending this matter. It’s a tremendous relief for me and my family.”
