Explore

...

...

Next Story

Top court issues guidelines on processing of mercy petitions

The Supreme Court established guidelines for swift processing of mercy petitions for death-row convicts, addressing delays and upholding fundamental rights.

Updated on: Dec 10, 2024, 00:06:51 IST

By Utkarsh Anand

Prefer HTon Google

Advertisement

The Supreme Court on Monday laid down a comprehensive set of guidelines to ensure the swift and efficient processing of mercy petitions by death-row convicts, marking a significant development in the legal framework surrounding capital punishment and underlining the adverse effects of delays on both the convicts and societal confidence in justice.

The Supreme Court also directed state governments to frame office orders or executive guidelines outlining the standard operating procedures for dealing with mercy petitions. (HT Photo)

In its landmark judgment, a bench comprising justices Abhay S Oka, Ahsanuddin Amanullah and AG Masih emphasised that delays in executing death sentences, particularly those arising from administrative

All Access.
One Subscription.

Get 360° coverage—from daily headlines
to 100 year archives.

E-Paper

Full
Archives

Full Access to
HT App & Website

Games

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

...Read MoreUtkarsh Anand is the National Legal Editor at Hindustan Times, where he leads the newspaper's coverage of the Supreme Court, constitutional law, the judiciary and the Union law ministry. He joined Hindustan Times in 2020 after stints at Press Trust of India (PTI), The Indian Express and CNN-News18, and has over two decades of experience reporting on law, governance and public policy. His work has focussed on some of India's most consequential constitutional and legal developments, including the Supreme Court's judgments on Article 370, marriage equality, decriminalisation of homosexuality, the Babri Masjid dispute, electoral reforms and judicial appointments. He specialises in making complex legal proceedings and judgments accessible to readers while examining their wider social and political impact. Beyond daily reportage, Utkarsh has led investigative projects and enterprise reporting that have shaped public debate and prompted institutional responses. His work has received several journalism awards, including the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award. As National Legal Editor, he has also played a key role in expanding Hindustan Times' legal journalism footprint, mentoring reporters and strengthening coverage across platforms. A Chevening South Asia Journalism Programme Fellow, Utkarsh regularly writes analyses on the judiciary and constitutional issues, and his reporting is widely followed by lawyers, judges, policymakers, academics and readers seeking clarity on India's evolving legal landscape. Read Less

Get real-time updates on Tamil Nadu Election Results, By-Election Results , breaking headlines, and top India News, breaking headlines, and real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, Today Weather, and major developments on Hindustan Times

Get real-time updates on Tamil Nadu Election Results, By-Election Results , breaking headlines, and top India News, breaking headlines, and real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, Today Weather, and major developments on Hindustan Times

Home/India News/Top court issues guidelines on processing of mercy petitions

See Less

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON