Patna: The Delhi high court on Tuesday declined immediate relief to BJP MLA Raju Kumar Singh in the 2018 celebratory firing case that resulted in the death of architect Archana Gupta.The court refused to suspend the conviction recorded by the Rouse Avenue Court and sought a response from the Delhi Police. It also directed that the deceased’s family be given an opportunity to present its stand.Singh, who represents the Sahebganj assembly constituency in Muzaffarpur district, was convicted by the Rouse Avenue Court on June 6 under Section 304 (Part II) of the IPC and Section 30 of the Arms Act. The case relates to celebratory firing during a New Year party at a farmhouse in Delhi’s Fatehpur Beri on the intervening night of Dec 31, 2018 and Jan 1, 2019. Archana sustained a bullet injury and later died in hospital.The trial court sentenced Singh to four years’ imprisonment. The Delhi HC later suspended the sentence, allowing him to remain out of custody while his appeal is pending. However, suspension of the sentence is distinct from a stay of conviction.RJD spokesperson Chittaranjan Gagan demanded immediate cancellation of Singh’s assembly membership, arguing he should not continue as a legislator following the conviction.Singh’s plea is significant as Section 8(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 provides for disqualification of a legislator convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years. The conviction continues to have implications for his assembly membership unless stayed by a competent court.The latest proceedings mean Singh has not secured immediate relief against the conviction. His appeal against the trial court judgment will continue before the HC.
