INDIA: LAW COMMISSION CALLS FOR REVIEW OF DEATH PENALTY

May 23, 2014: the Law Commission of India, which works as an advisory body to the Ministry of Law and Justice, has called for a reassessment of the need for the death penalty.
In a consultation paper, the Commission said: “At this juncture, an exhaustive study on the subject would be a useful and salutary contribution to the cause of public debate on this issue. Such a study will also provide a definitive research-backed orientation to the lawmakers and judges on this very contentious issue.”
The Commission said the study would have to address queries and concerns of Courts and present an international perspective on the issue.
Stating that it was aware of the United Nations resolution of 2007 urging a moratorium on executions with a view to abolish the death penalty, the Commission pointed out that the Supreme Court had commuted the death sentence of 15 convicts on grounds of violation of their fundamental rights due to inordinate delay in hearing their mercy pleas.
The Commission has allowed 30 days for the public to submit their responses. (Sources: thehindu.com, 26/05/2014)