The hanging of Balwant Singh Rajoana, assassin of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, was stayed by the Centre on Wednesday following a mercy petition to the President of India. Chief Minister of Punjab Prakash Singh Badal met President Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil today in connection with the mercy petition. Home Ministry sources said that the hanging, which was scheduled to be carried out on 31st March, has been stayed following a petition filed by Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee, SGPC.