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Delay in execution dilutes death-sentence to life-sentence: Reforms necessary

It refers to decision of Delhi High Court on 29.06.2017 diluting death-sentence of some Sonu Sardar to life-sentence despite President, State-Governor both rejecting his mercy-petitions and even Supreme Court rejecting review of death-sentence earlier endorsed by the Apex Court. Relief was granted because of late decision on mercy-petition.

Strict-most measures must be taken like to decide mercy-petitions in a time-bound period of say one month followed by time-bound execution of say one week after rejection of mercy-petition. There must not be any provision to approach courts after rejection of mercy-petitions. Cases attracting death-penalty must be disposed of fast crossing all legal-channels till Supreme Court say within say three years. Fast execution will relieve from unbearable hardships and mental agony to those convicted with death sentence.

Death-sentence is very necessary to develop a fear-psychology amongst criminal-minded persons as a deterrent against wrong-doing. Once death-penalty is strictly enforced, much-much more lives will be saved than lost due to hangings because of creating a much needed fear-psychology against crimes attracting death-penalty.

MADHU AGRAWAL

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