Exploring the Dynamics of Capital Punishment Execution, Suspension, Remission and Commutation of Sentences

Execution of sentence of death

Under Section 366 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, a session judge is prohibited from executing a death sentence without the prior confirmation of the High Court. During this interim period, the convict remains in jail custody. The High Court, as per Section 368 of the CrPC, plays a crucial role in reviewing the case. The High Court is empowered to:

The High Court, pursuant to Section 368 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), possesses the authority to take various actions upon reviewing a sentence handed down by the Session Court. These actions may include:

Confirming the sentence imposed by the Session Court.

Nullifying the conviction and convicting the accused on the same charges as those of the Session Court, or alternatively, ordering fresh proceedings with either the same or modified charges.

Acquitting the individual, particularly if the time for appeal has not elapsed or if the appeal has been adjudicated.

Moreover, any directive issued by the High Court to the Session Court, as outlined in Section 413 of the CrPC, must be executed by the Session Court through the issuance of a warrant. In the case of a death sentence ordered by the High Court, as per Section 414 of the CrPC, the Session Court is obligated to carry out the order by issuing an appropriate warrant.

Constitutional Provisions on Suspension and Remission of Sentences

In the Indian Constitution, substantial sovereign authority is conferred upon the President and the Governor. The governance of the Centre and the State is executed in the name of the President and the Governor, respectively.

Article 72 of the Constitution empowers the President with the authority to pardon, remit, suspend, or commute any sentence. Within the framework of Article 72, the President is vested with the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment, as well as to suspend, remit, or commute the sentence of an individual convicted of any offense.

Governor’s Authority in Cases of Court-Martial Sentences and Death Penalties

In instances where a court-martial imposes a sentence, the State laws dictate that the Governor’s power to remit, suspend, or commute the sentence takes precedence. This holds true in situations where executive powers are applicable and when the punishment is a death sentence.

Similarly, Article 161 of the Indian Constitution confers similar powers upon the Governors of States. The Governor, within the scope of the State’s executive power, can pardon, reprieve, or respite a punishment, as well as suspend, remit, or commute a sentence based on prevailing state laws. It’s important to note that the crucial distinction lies in the fact that the Governor lacks the authority to grant a pardon in cases of a death sentence.

While the President’s power is not absolute and is contingent on consultation with the council of ministers, this practice is not explicitly outlined in the Constitution but is commonly followed in practice. Additionally, the Constitution lacks any specified mechanism to scrutinize the legality of decisions made by the President and the Governor when exercising their mercy powers.

However, a narrow avenue for judicial review of the mercy-granting authority of the President and the Governor to prevent arbitrariness is offered in the case of Epuru Sudhakar vs the State of Andhra Pradesh. This ruling provides a slight allowance for the examination of these powers to ensure they are exercised judiciously.

Commutation of Sentences: Altering the Nature of Punishment

In contrast to Suspension and Remission, which solely impact the duration of the punishment without altering its nature, Commutation goes further by transforming the nature of the punishment into a less severe form. The government is not constrained in its ability to commute a sentence, even if it involves a minimal penalty. Section 433 of the CrPC grants the relevant government the authority to commute a sentence in suitable cases. Commutation applies to various sentences, including the death penalty, often sought through a mercy plea.

Commuted Sentences: Transformation under Indian Penal Code

The conversion of a death sentence to any other punishment as stipulated in the Indian Penal Code.

The alteration of a life imprisonment sentence to either imprisonment not surpassing fourteen years or a fine.

The alteration of a sentence involving rigorous imprisonment to either simpler imprisonment or a fine, based on the sentence.

The alteration of a simple sentence to a fine as an alternative punishment.

The commutation of a death sentence has consistently been a subject of controversy, triggering debates concerning the fundamental human rights of the accused juxtaposed with the societal repercussions of heinous crimes. Section 433 of the CrPC empowers the government to convert a death sentence into a simpler form of punishment.

In many cases, individuals sentenced to death see their sentences commuted to 14 years of life imprisonment, aligning with the stipulations outlined in the CrPC.

conclusion

the interplay of judicial processes, executive powers, and constitutional provisions reflects the nuanced approach India takes in administering justice while considering humanitarian aspects and societal impact. The commutation of death sentences, in particular, remains a contentious issue, prompting ongoing debates around human rights and the broader implications of severe crimes. Section 433 of the CrPC, while empowering the government to convert death sentences, introduces a layer of flexibility, often resulting in the reduction of sentences to 14 years of life imprisonment.

Frequently asked questions

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