New Delhi -The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked why death row convict Balwant Singh Rajoana, held guilty for the assassination of former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh in 1995, was not hanged till now after the Centre said it was a “serious offence”.

Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria was informed about the seriousness of the crime by Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj.

“Why did you not hang him till now? Who is to blame for that. At least, we have not stayed the execution,” the bench asked Mr Nataraj.

The top court is hearing Rajoana’s plea for commutation of his death penalty to life term on the ground of delay in the decision on his mercy plea.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Rajoana, said there has been no decision on his client’s mercy plea.

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