Syllabus: GS2/ Polity
In News
- The Maharashtra government formed a dedicated cell under the Additional Secretary (Home) for dealing with mercy petitions filed by death row convicts.
- It was established on the direction of SC that all states set up such cells to avoid delays in the execution of death penalties, which it observed can have a “dehumanising effect” on convicts.
Mercy Petition
- What is a Mercy Petition?
- A mercy petition is a formal request submitted by a convict (especially on death row or serving a long sentence) to seek clemency—in the form of pardon, commutation, or remission—from the President of India or the Governor of a State, as a last resort after all judicial remedies are exhausted.
- No fixed time limit is prescribed for the President’s decision on the mercy petition.
- Constitutional & Legal Provisions:
- The Constitution granted the President (Article 72) and Governor (Article 161) the power to grant pardons or commute sentences.
- In the Supreme Court’s ruling in Maru Ram vs. Union of India (1981), it was established that the President must act based on the Council of Ministers’ advice in mercy petitions.
- Philosophy Behind Mercy Petitions:
- Right to Life (Article 21): Everyone has the fundamental right to life and personal liberty, guaranteed by Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
- A mercy petition seeks to uphold this right by allowing for compassionate reconsideration.
- Rectification of Judicial Errors: Offers recourse when the judiciary may have overlooked evidence or erred.
- International Norms and Human Rights: Many global conventions, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, emphasize the right to life and human dignity.
- Mercy powers help nations adhere to these humanitarian standards.
- Right to Life (Article 21): Everyone has the fundamental right to life and personal liberty, guaranteed by Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
Types of Pardoning Powers in India
- Under Article 72 (President) and Article 161 (Governor), the executive is empowered to grant clemency in various forms.
| Type | What Changes? | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Pardon | Cancels both conviction & sentence | Full forgiveness; treated as not guilty |
| Commutation | Changes sentence to a lesser one | Death → Life imprisonment |
| Remission | Reduces sentence duration | 10 years → 6 years |
| Respite | Lesser punishment for valid reasons | A pregnant woman receives lighter punishment |
| Reprieve | Delays execution temporarily | Time granted to file mercy petition |
Comparison of Pardoning Powers of President & Governor
| Aspect | President (Article 72) | Governor (Article 161) |
| Authority | President of India | Governor of a State |
| Jurisdiction | Offenses under Union laws, court-martial cases, and death penalty | Offenses under State laws |
| Military Law (Court-Martial) | Can grant pardon or reduce sentence for military court convictions | No power in court-martial cases |
| Death Sentence | Can grant pardon and commute a death sentence | Can only commute death sentence; cannot pardon it |
| Binding Advice | Acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers at the Centre | Acts on the advice of the State Council of Ministers |
Conclusion
- Mercy petitions and pardoning powers are essential checks and balances within India’s justice system. They ensure that law is tempered with compassion, and justice doesn’t turn blind to human rights.
Source: IE
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