Jayant Sinha opens up on row over garlanding Ramgarh lynching convicts, says rule of law supreme in democracy

Union Minister Jayant Sinha, who triggered a fresh controversy following the felicitation ceremony of eight accused in Ramgarh mob-lynching case, on Saturday opened up to the criticism to clear his stand.

Taking to Twitter, Sinha said, "I unequivocally condemn all acts of violence and reject any type of vigilantism. The rule of law is supreme in our constitutional democracy. Any unlawful acts, particularly those that violate the rights of any citizen, should be punished with the full force of the law".

I unequivocally condemn all acts of violence and reject any type of vigilantism. The rule of law is supreme in our constitutional democracy. Any unlawful acts, particularly those that violate the rights of any citizen, should be punished with the full force of the law.

— Jayant Sinha (@jayantsinha) July 7, 2018

"In the Ramgarh case, the Hon'ble Ranchi High Court, which is the first court of appeal, has suspended the sentence of the accused and released them on bail while admitting their case. The case will once again be re-heard," he wrote in another tweet.

In the Ramgarh case, the Hon'ble Ranchi High Court, which is the first court of appeal, has suspended the sentence of the accused and released them on bail while admitting their case. The case will once again be re-heard.

— Jayant Sinha (@jayantsinha) July 7, 2018

"I have repeatedly expressed my misgivings about the Fast-Track Court judgement sentencing each accused to life imprisonment. I am pleased that the Hon'ble High Court will hear the matter as a statutory court of appeal to test the correctness of the Fast-Track Court order," Sinha said.

I have repeatedly expressed my misgivings about the Fast-Track Court judgement sentencing each accused to life imprisonment. I am pleased that the Hon'ble High Court will hear the matter as a statutory court of appeal to test the correctness of the Fast-Track Court order.

— Jayant Sinha (@jayantsinha) July 7, 2018

"I have full faith in our judicial system and the rule of law. Unfortunately, irresponsible statements are being made about my actions when all that I am doing is honouring the due process of law. Those that are innocent will be spared and the guilty will be appropriately punished," he concluded.

I have full faith in our judicial system and the rule of law. Unfortunately, irresponsible statements are being made about my actions when all that I am doing is honoring the due process of law. Those that are innocent will be spared and the guilty will be appropriately punished.

— Jayant Sinha (@jayantsinha) July 7, 2018

Trouble found the BJP lawmaker after he garlanded eight of the accused in Ramgarh mob-lynching case at his residence on the outskirts of his constituencies. The felicitation programme took place last week after the life sentences of the eight men were suspended by the high court.

The happening invited series of attacks from Sinha's political opponents while one of them tagged Sinha's alma mater, the prestigious Harvard University of the US.

Earlier, a fast-track court convicted a total of 11 men, including a local BJP leader for beating meat trader Alimuddin Ansari, 55, to death on June 30, 2017. They were awarded a life term into the case.

Post that, Mr Sinha had demanded a CBI probe into the case following which the high court had last week suspended the life sentences given by the fast track court earlier in March.