This article has been written by Lakshmi. V. Pillai of 5th year pursuing B.A. LL.B from GLS Law College, Ahmedabad. This article in depth discusses the various types of punishment provided under Section 53 of the Indian Penal Code,1860. Further, the constitutionality of the death penalty and various case laws wherein the death penalty has been upheld and not upheld by the Apex Court are also cited. This article also includes topics like sentencing policy, compensation to victims and proposals for reform under IPC. 

Introduction

Under the sanction of the law, punishment is retribution on the offender to the suffering in person or property which is inflicted by the offender. Punishment is the way through which an offender can be stopped from doing offences against person, property, and government. Therefore, punishments can be of various types like deterrent, rehabilitative, restorative and retributive.

Sentencing Policy

Under the Indian Penal Code, the sentencing policy is measured on the following factors:

• The gravity of the violation;
• The seriousness of the crime; and
• Its general effect upon public tranquillity.

There is a correlation between measures of punishment and the measure of guilt. Accordingly, the sentencing policy in a particular offence is standardized.

In March 2003, a body was established by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Malimath Committee (the Committee on Reforms of Criminal Justice System) in India. The purpose of the committee was to give recommendations on the sentencing guidelines for the Indian Judiciary. The aforesaid committee had issued its report in which it stated that there is a need to introduce guidelines on sentencing to minimize the uncertainty of awarding sentences. The committee observed that “for many offences, only the maximum punishment is prescribed and for some offences, the minimum may be prescribed” and thereby there is a lack of uniformity. This results in wide discretionary powers to the Judges to decide the sentencing duration, which leads to uncertainty in the sentencing policy. In 2008, the Madhava Menon Committee (the Committee on Draft National Policy on Criminal Justice), again reaffirmed the need for statutory sentencing guidelines.

As per the white paper introduced by the British Parliament, the aim of having a sentencing policy should be “deterrence and protection of society from evils”. The lack of sentencing policy will not only affect the judicial system but it will also substantially harm society. 

Fundamental Principles for Imposition of Different Types of Punishments 

As per the United States Institute of Peace, the principle of the imposition of punishment can be based on:

1. The necessity for criminal justice compulsion; and
2. The proportionality of punishment based on the nature and degree of the danger which is present against the fundamental freedoms, human rights, social values, rights guaranteed and protected under the Constitution or international law. 

In the case of Soman v. Kerala, the Supreme Court of India cited a number of principles while exercising discretionary powers by the Court. The general principles are proportionality, deterrence, and rehabilitation. In the proportionality principle aggravating and mitigating factors should be considered. Mitigating circumstances are related to the criminal and aggravating circumstances are related to the crime.

In para 12 of the Soman’s case, the Supreme Court pronounced that “Giving punishment to the wrongdoer is at the heart of the criminal justice delivery, but in our country, it is the weakest part of the administration of criminal justice. There are no legislative or judicially laid down guidelines to assist the trial court in meting out just punishment to the accused facing trial before it after he is held guilty of the charges.” Further, the court acknowledged and opined the observation made in the case of State of Punjab v. Prem Sagar, wherein the Court stated that “In our judicial system, we have not been able to develop legal principles as regards sentencing. The superior courts except making observations with regard to the purport and object for which punishment is imposed upon an offender have not issued any guidelines.” Therefore, there is a necessity to have a sentencing policy with due consideration to the recommendations made by the Madhava Menon Committee and Malimath Committee. 

Scope of Section 53

In the Indian Penal Code, 1803 (“Code”), Section 53, specifically deals with different types of punishments which can be given by the Criminal Courts if the person is held liable under the Code.

There are five kinds of punishments recognized under Section 53 of the Code:

1. Death;
2. Imprisonment for life;
3. Imprisonment:

1. Rigorous Imprisonment; or 
2. Simple Imprisonment.

1. Forfeiture of property;
2. Fine.

Considering the above punishments, the courts are supposed to follow the procedures and provisions which are prescribed under other adjective and substantive laws. 

As per the scheme of the Code the maximum punishment is prescribed, leaving the minimum to the discretion of the Judge. The Judge has all the means to form an opinion on the sentence which would meet the end of justice in a particular case. If the offence is grave in nature then the Code had prescribed the maximum and the minimum duration of the punishment.

Awarding Appropriate Sentence is the Discretion of the Trial Court

In the case of Sibbu Munnilal vs State Of Madhya Pradesh, the three-judge bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court had observed the scheme of punishment as follows:

1. The classification of offences is made with reference to the maximum punishment to which the offender is liable to receive.
2. In the case of the death penalty and imprisonment for life is provided as a punishment under a section. Imprisonment for life shall be considered as an alternative. And death penalty shall only be given if the case comes under the ambit of ‘rarest of rare case’. While giving the death penalty as punishment the Judge shall give due importance to the facts and nature of the case. 
3. Imprisonment can be categorized into two categories- simple and rigorous.
4. Imprisonment for life means rigorous imprisonment for twenty years.
5. The difference between imprisonment for life and imprisonment is the former can be rigorous and the imprisonment is till his last breath, however, the duration of the latter can vary from period 24 hours to 14 years.
6. Lastly, offences punishable with fine means the offences for which the maximum penalty can be fine only.

In a recent case of 2017, in State Of H.P vs Nirmala Devi, the Supreme Court ruled that the trial court has the discretion to give punishments as per the scheme provided under the code.

When Appellate Courts Can Interfere with Sentence Imposed

As per Section 386 of CrPC, the Powers of Appellate Court are as follows:

1. The Appellate court can interfere or dismiss the appeal if it finds sufficient grounds to do so after hearing the parties of the appeal;
2. If the matter is an appeal from an order or acquittal:

1. Then the appellate court can reverse such order and direct further inquiry of the matter or;
2. Direct for retrial of the accused.

3) If an appeal from a conviction, then the Appellate court have the following powers:

1. Reverse the finding and sentencing and acquit or discharge the accused or order for the retrial by a competent court, or committed for trial;
2. Alter the maintaining, finding of the sentence, or;
3. Alter the nature or the extent or nature and extent of the sentence, with or without altering the finding. However no power to enhance the sentence by the court.

4) If an appeal for enhancement of sentence, then the Appellate court have the following powers:

1. Reverse the finding and sentencing and acquit or discharge the accused or order for the retrial, or committed for trial;
2. Alter the maintaining, finding of the sentence, or;
3. Alter the nature or the extent or nature and extent of the sentence, with or without altering the findings with the power to enhance or reduce the sentence.

5) if the appeal is from any other order, then power to alter or reverse such order;

6) the appellate court can make any amendment or act incidental or any consequential order can be ordered which may seem to be just or proper to the court.

The section also includes a provision wherein it lays out conditions to the Appellate Court while exercising this power:

The conditions are as follows:

1. The Appellate Court shall not enhance the punishment unless the accused given an opportunity for such enhancement;
2. Further, the Appellate Court shall not inflict the punishment given by the court under appeal (trial court or lower court) unless the Appellate Court has a view that the punishment is inadequate.

In the recent case of State Of H.P vs Nirmala Devi, the Supreme Court held that the Appellate court shall not exceed its powers under Section 386 of Cr.P.C. beyond the statutory scheme provided under the Indian Penal Code. For example, to alter the sentence of imprisonment and fine with a sentence only of fine, the Appellate Court can not alter the order likewise where the consequences will be unjust and unfair. 

Principles for Sentencing 

The principle for sentencing developed through court decisions and legislation. And these principles form the sentencing decisions. The principles which are generally followed by the court are as follows:

• Excessiveness/Parsimony– the punishment which is given shall not be severe unless required.
• Proportionality– the sentencing shall fit to the overall gravity of the crime.
• Parity– the punishment should be similar for similar types of offences committed by offenders under similar situations.
• Totality– when an offender is punished with more than one sentence, the overall sentence must be just and appropriate which shall proportional to the offending behaviour.
• Purpose– the sentencing shall achieve the purpose of the punishment. The purpose of punishment can be a deterrent, rehabilitative, protection of the public, etc.
• Simplicity and predictability– sentencing shall not be depending on the bias or personality of the judge. There shall be a clear and definite scheme of sentencing.
• Truthfulness- the sentencing shall reflect the actual term to be served by the prisoner in prison, so there shall be no place for ambiguity.

Aggravating Circumstances 

The aggravating circumstances to which the Judges consider are as follows:

1. The surrounding of the crime itself;
2. The circumstances relating to the criminal’s background;
3. The circumstances relating to the criminal’s conduct; 
4. The criminal’s future dangerousness;

The other factors which are considered under aggravating circumstances are as follows:

• Professionalism and premeditation;
• Prevalence of offence;
• Offences committed in the group;
• Breach of trust.

In the case of Sangeet & Anr. v. State of Haryana, the court noted that the approach which was laid down in the case of Bachan Singh was subsequently not fully adopted by the courts. The mitigating factors and aggravating factors both need to be considered and balanced while sentencing a punishment to the accused. 

Types of Punishments

1. Death Sentence

 The death sentence is a punishment which is sanctioned by the government and ordered by the court where a person is put to death for a crime acted by him. It is also referred to as ‘Capital Punishment’. The act of carrying out such practice is called execution. As per the Amnesty International survey, the report on as of July 2018 is 56 countries retain capital punishment and 106 countries have completely abolished capital punishment for all crimes. In India, the death penalty is given by the method of hanging. The other ways through which death sentences executed at world scenarios are stoning, sawing, blowing from a gun, lethal injection, electrocution, etc.

The subject of death sentence always has been a matter of controversy. While considering the Constitution as the supreme, the validity of death sentence v/s fundamental rights constantly came forward for the debates. However, the death sentences are rarely given in the Indian criminal courts. In the case of Bachan Singh vs State Of Punjab, the Supreme Court held that capital punishment shall be given in the “rarest of the rare” case. However, what constitutes the “rarest of the rare cases” is not prescribed by the Supreme Court or by the legislature.

In the case of Jagmohan Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh, the SC ruled that the approach towards imposing capital punishment shall be balanced on mitigating and aggravating factors of the crime. However, in the case of Bachan Singh, for the first time, this approach was called into question due to the amendments in the Cr.P.C. As per the amendment in the Cr.P.C. in the offence of murder the offender shall be punished with the sentence of life imprisonment. After taking due consideration of the amendment, the Court stated that capital punishment shall be given in special cases only. However, in the case of Sangeet & Anr. v. State of Haryana, the court noted that the approach laid down in Bachan Singh’s case is not fully adopted. The courts still give primacy to the crime and not to the circumstances of the criminal. The balance of the mitigating and aggravating factors have taken a bit of a back seat in ordering punishment. 

The provisions under which the death penalty is given as punishment under IPC are as follows:

• Section 115– Abetment for an offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life (if offence not committed);
• Section 118– Concealing design to commit an offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life.
• Section 121– When armed rebellion (i.e. waging, abetting to waging of war or attempting to wage war) is made against the constitutionally and legally established government;
• Section 132– Uprising, supporting and encouraging the formation of the mutinous group of people in the nations armed forces;
• Section 194- With the intent to obtain a death sentence to an innocent by presenting concocted vexatious proof;
• Section 302– Causing murder of another;
• Section 305– Abetting suicide to an insane or minor person;
• Section 303– When a life convict person murders another person;
• Section 396– Causing dacoity with murder;
• Section 364A– Kidnapping;
• Section 376A (as per the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 2013)- Rape

Some other Acts under which the death penalty covered as punishment are: 

1. Section 4, part II of the Prevention of Sati Act- Abetting or aiding an act of sati.
2. Section 31A of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act- Drug trafficking in cases of repeat offences.

However, the death penalty as a punishment is an exception to certain persons like intellectually disabled, pregnant women and minors.

Procedure When Death Penalty is Imposed 

The death sentence is executed by two modes in India:

1. Hanging by the neck till death (this is mostly ordered by the Courts);
2. Being shot to death.

The various states of India have jail manuals that provide a method for the execution of death sentences. In accordance with Section 354(5) of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, 1950 hanging by neck till death is the mode of the execution. After the death sentence is awarded by the court, the accused have the right to appeal the order. After exhausting all remedies and confirmation of the order, the execution is made as per procedure under Section 354(5) of Cr.P.C. The process of execution is provided separately under the Air Force Act, 1950, the Army Act, 1950 and the Navy Act, 1957. However, the procedure under the above-mentioned defence acts is applicable to defence officers only.

The Prison manual of different states of India gives detailed instructions about the execution particulars. Some are as follows:

1. The prisoner who is convicted for death sentence shall be given a proper diet, examined twice a day. The officers shall satisfy that the prisoner has no article by which he can attempt for suicide.
2. The description of the rope and testing of rope.
3. Regulation of the drop while executing the hanging.
4. Time of executions.

Constitutional Validity of Death Penalty

The issue of the death penalty is not a recent issue. It has been discussed, studied and debated for a prolonged time. However, till today no conclusion is drawn about the abolition or retention of the provision. The death penalty has been the mode of punishment from the British era. Various countries have abolished this practice. However, in Arab countries the principle of retributive punishment i.e. “an eye for an eye” is practised. In the list of retention countries as mentioned above, India is one of them which have retained to give death penalty unless some ‘special reasons’ or ‘rarest of rare case’ condition arise. 

Under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, the right to life and liberty is guaranteed, including the right to live with human dignity. There are certain exceptions that are recognized by the law wherein in the name of law and public order the state can restrict the rights. In Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India, the SC laid down the principle of “due process” through which a state can restrict the citizens from enjoying their rights. In the case of the death penalty the due process can be as follows:

• Death penalty to be given in ‘rarest of the rare’ cases;
• The accused shall be given the ‘right to heard’;
• As per Article 136, the death penalty shall be confirmed by the High Court;
• Under Section 379 of the Cr.P.C., the accused have the right to appeal in the Supreme Court;
• Under Section 433 and 434 Cr.P.C., the accused may pray for commutation, forgiveness, etc. of the sentence.

In various cases, the constitutional validity of the death penalty was challenged. In the case of Jagmohan Singh v. State of U.P, the argument was that the death penalty is in violation of Article 14 (Right to Equality), Article 19 (Right to Freedom) and “right to life” i.e. Article 21, which has been unanimously rejected by the five-judge bench of the Supreme Court. Further, it was contended that as per Cr.P.C. the procedure is confined to findings of guilt and not awarding death sentence. However, the Supreme Court held that the death sentence is a choice by the court made according to the procedure established by law and the choice between capital sentence or imprisonment of life is based on the circumstances, nature and facts of the case brought during the trial.

In the case of Rajendra Prasad v. State of U.P, Justice Krishna Iyer had empathetically stressed that the death penalty is violative of articles 14, 19 and 21. With this the Justice Iyer said two conditions under which the death penalty can be given:

• While giving the death penalty the court shall record special reasons.
• Only in extraordinary cases the death penalty to be imposed.

However, in the case of Bachan Singh vs. State of Punjab, within one year the five-judge bench (4:1- Bhagwati J. dissenting) overruled the decision of Rajendra Prasad’s case. The judgment expressed that the death penalty is not violative of Article 14,19 and 21 of the Constitution of India and pronounced that in the “rare of the rarest case” i.e. those cases in which the collective conscience of the community is so shocked that it will expect the judiciary to deliver the death penalty on the accused the death penalty can be ordered. Although, Justice Bhagwati in his dissenting judgment stated that the death penalty is not only being violative to Article 14 and 21 but also undesirable because of several other reasons.

Further, in the case of Machhi Singh vs. State of Punjab, the Supreme Court laid down the broad outlines of the circumstances under which the death sentence can be imposed. The court pointed out that under five categories of cases the extreme penalty can be given. Those points are as follows:

1. Manner of commission of murder;
2. Motive;
3. The magnitude of the crime;
4. Anti-social abhorrent nature of the crime;
5. The personality of the victim of murder.

Similarly, in the case of Sher Singh v. State of Punjab and Triveniben vs. State of Gujarat, the Apex court asserted affirmatively that the death penalty does not invalidate the rights enriched under the Constitution of India.

In the case of Mithu v. State of Punjab, the Supreme Court held that the mandatory death penalty is invalid and unconstitutional in nature. However, no comments were made on the consequent legislation for drug and criminal offences wherein the death penalty is considered mandatory. But at the same time, Indian courts actually applied the mandatory death penalty for these crimes. 

However, recently in the case of Channu Lal Verma v. State of Chattisgarh, the question of the constitutional validity of the death penalty came to the three-judge bench. The Bench Constituted of Justice Kurian Joseph, Justice Deepak Gupta, and Justice Hemant Gupta. The bench upheld the decision of the Bachan Singh case. However, Justice Kurian Joseph had a different view, he said that “there is no substantial proof for the death penalty as a deterrent to crime”.

Evolving Parameters for Imposition of Death Sentence

The basic evolving parameters for the imposition of Death Sentence are: 

1. The punishment shall not be so severe, so as to degrade the dignity of humans;
2. The state shall not arbitrarily inflict a severe punishment;
3. In a contemporary society such severe punishment shall not be unacceptable;
4. Such severe punishment must not be unnecessary.

However, there are other two questions which can be pondered by the Court while imposing the death penalty as punishment:

1. There is something uncommon in the crime which calls for the imposition of the death penalty and renders the sentence of imprisonment for life as inadequate.
2. Even after giving maximum weightage to the mitigating factors which are in favour of the offender there is no other alternative other than imposing the death sentence.

Sentencing Procedure: Mandatory Provision of Section 235(2), Code of Criminal Procedure 1973

In the ‘41st report of Law Commission’, it recommended for the insertion of new provision which made a significant contribution in acknowledging the cardinal feature of procedural fairness and natural justice. Under the old code, there was no statutory opportunity given to the accused to explain the mitigating factor which is relevant to decide the nature of the punishment. However, after the recommendation of the Commission introduction of Section 235(2) and Section 248(2) of the Cr.P.C. was made. The new provisions provided an opportunity for the convict to place necessary information to the court to determine the mitigating factors and decide the case accordingly. Therefore, the choice of sentence shall be made after following the procedure under section 235(2) duly followed by the court. In the cases of death sentence the importance of “right of hearing” has been overemphasized.

In 1976, in the case of Santa Singh v. State of Punjab, the Supreme Court explained the nature and scope of Section 235(2). The Bench remarked that “The provision is an acknowledgement of the fact that sentencing is an important stage in the criminal justice administration as the adjudication of guilt. And in no case, it should be consigned to a subsidiary position. It seeks to personalize the punishment so that the reformist component remains as much operative as the deterrent element. It is, for this reason, the facts of social and personal nature, maybe irrelevant for guilt determination, should be brought to the notice of the court at the time of actual determination of sentence”.

Further, the court also opined about the meaning of the word ‘hearing’. The hearing is not only limited to the oral submissions but it is wider than that. It gives both parties the right to put facts and materials which can be essential for the questions of sentencing. The Court stressed on the point that it is mandatory for the lower courts to comply with this provision. Not complying with Section 235(2) will not only be considered as mere irregularity, but that shall vitiate the sentence.

In the case of Allauddin Mian v. State of Bihar, Justice Ahmadi emphasized the purpose of Section 235(2):

1. It gives the accused an opportunity of being heard, which satisfies the rule of natural justice;
2. To determine the sentence of the award it assists the court. 

Case laws on Death Sentence (When the death sentence is confirmed)

(1) State of Tamil Nadu v Nalini

In the case of State of Tamil Nadu v Nalini, the case was filed as an appeal against the judgment of the High Court of Tamil Nadu. This case is popularly known as Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination case. The offenders were accused under Indian Evidence Act, 1872, Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, The Foreigners Act, 1946, Passports Act, 1967, Arms Act, 1959, Explosive Substances Act, 1908, Indian Penal Code, 1908 (IPC), TADA Rules, The Terrorist And Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, 1987. In the case, there were 26 accused out of which four accused were punished death penalty by the Apex Court. The accused were from the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) group and were seeking revenge for the Indian government’s decision for sending army troops in Srilanka. However, as per recent update Nalini Sriharan, V Sriharan, and Murghan have applied plea for mercy killing as there is no response to their mercy petition till date.

(2) Jai Kumar v State of Madhya Pradesh

In Jai Kumar v State of Madhya Pradesh case, an appeal by the grant of special leave against the order of the Division bench of the High Court of Madhya Pradesh was made. In this case, the accused brutally murdered sister-in-law and 7-year-old niece. The Court considered the factual matrix of the case and observed that the act of murder was not done in the rage and the accused himself under Section 313 of the Cr.P.C admitted the murder. Thereby, the Supreme Court upheld the verdict of the Sessions Court and the High Court of Madhya Pradesh.

(3) Suresh Chandra Bahri v State of Bihar

The case of Suresh Chandra Bahri v State of Bihar was filed as an appeal from the High Court of Patna. The Sessions Court convicted the three appellants named Suresh Bahri, Gurbachan Singh and Raj Pal Sharma for the death penalty under Section 302 and Section 120 B of the IPC. The High Court of Patna dismissed the appeal affirming the sentence awarded by the trial court. In this case, the accused killed Urshia Bahri and her two children because of some dispute in the property. The Supreme Court confirmed the death penalty of Suresh Bahri, whereas the death penalty of the Gurbachan Singh and Raj Pal Sharma was commuted to a life sentence.

(4) Dhananjoy Chatterjee alias Dhana v State of West Bengal 

In the 21st century, the case of Dhananjoy Chatterjee alias Dhana v State of West Bengal can be called as a historic case as the accused was the first person who was lawfully executed for a crime not related to terrorism. The accused was working as a watchman in the building of the deceased. He had raped and murdered an 18-year-old girl at her own home. The trial court ordered the death penalty under Section 302 of the IPC. The same has been confirmed by the High Court of West Bengal. While the appeal in the Supreme Court, the court held that case will be considered under “the rarest of the rare” case, thereby there will be no commutation of the punishment.

(5) Sushil Murmu v State of Jharkhand

In the case of Sushil Murmu v State of Jharkhand, the accused was punished with the death penalty for the sacrifice before Goddess Kali of a 9-year-old child. The accused made the sacrifice for his own prosperity. The trial court held the accused liable under Section 302 and 201 of the IPC, 1860 and the Jharkhand High Court confirmed the death penalty. The Appeal was made to the Supreme Court, however, the Apex court upheld the order of the lower court and affirmed that this is an exemplary case which can be treated as the rarest of rare case, therefore there is no exception to be given to this case.

(6) Holiram Bardokti v State of Assam

In the case of Holiram Bardokti v State of Assam, there were 17 accused. The appellant is one of the accused who has been awarded the death penalty under Section 302 read with Section 149 of the IPC by the Sessions Judge. The same has been confirmed by the High Court of Assam. The accused was being held for two murders i.e. of Narayan Bordoloi, Padam Bordoloi and Nayanmoni (6-year-old child). The Supreme Court observed that the appellant had no spark of kindness or compassion while burning the bodies and cutting the body into pieces, the whole accident shocked the collective conscience of the community. Therefore, the Apex Court upheld the order of the lower courts and observed that the court is not able to find any mitigating factors to refrain from the death penalty.

Cases laws on Death Sentence (When Death Sentence has been Commuted to Life Imprisonment)

(1) Om Prakash v State of Haryana

In the case of Om Prakash v State of Haryana, the accused named Om Prakash was guilty of seven murders, thereby the Sessions court held him guilty under Section 302 of IPC, which was upheld by the High Court of Punjab and Haryana. There were two other accused but they were given life imprisonment and a fine of Rs.2000. During the appeal to the Apex Court, the court observed that mitigating factors of the case and considering other circumstances of the case, this can not be counted under the rarest of rare cases. The court considering the background of the case found that the murder was acted due to constant harassment of the family members (deceased ones). 

Further, the court observed that this is not the case which was committed to fulfil the lust for women or wealth, neither it is for money, the act does not include any anti-social element like kidnapping or trafficking, the act does not include any dealing in dangerous drugs, nor any act committed for political or power ambitions. And further, the accused was working in BSF at the age of 23 with no criminal antecedents. Thereby, the Apex Court converted the death penalty to the sentence of imprisonment for life.

(2) Rajendra Rai v. State of Bihar

In the case of Rajendra Rai v. State of Bihar, the accused were held guilty of the murder of Krishnandan (deceased 1) and Sir Bahadur (the son of deceased 1), as the accused and deceased had a dispute over the land situated between their houses. The Trial court-ordered death penalty and the High Court confirmed the order. However, the Apex Court was of the view that the case cannot be regarded under the rarest of rare cases. Thereby the death penalty was reduced to life imprisonment.

(3) Kishori v State of Delhi

In the case of Kishori v State of Delhi, the accused was in relation to the mob attack which occurred against the Sikh community immediately after the assassination of Mrs. Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister which broke out in several places including Delhi. The appellant was held to be a part of the mob. The Sessions court was of the view that the accused deserves a death sentence, as he has been convicted for several murders and he killed innumerable Sikhs in a brutal manner. The High Court of Delhi confirmed the order. However, the Apex Court had a different opinion. The Court said that the acts conducted during the chain of events shall be considered as one. Further, the act of the accused was not a personal action, was just a part of the group activity which can not be called as a systematic or organized activity. Therefore, the Apex court felt that the act of the accused as a result of the temporary frenzy act, so the court reduced the death penalty to life imprisonment.

(4) State v Paltan Mallah & Ors 

In the case of State Of M.P Through C.B.I., Etc vs Paltan Mallah, the deceased Shankar Guha Yogi, who was a popular and powerful trade union leader was killed. As he had been working for the welfare of the labour, the industrial unit at Bhillai and Durg wanted him to be out of their way. The deceased was the leader of the labourer organization named “CHATTISGARH MUKTI MORCHA” (‘CMM’). The workers at Bhillai asked for help in the protest. To help those labourers SG Yogi shifted to Bhilla with his servant Bhahal Ram. There was a widespread movement, due to this, the leaders of the CMM were attacked by the industrialists. The deceased apprehended that there is a serious threat to his life. On the midnight of 27.09.1991, Bahul Ram heard a noise from the neighbouring room where the deceased was sleeping. The servant found Niyogi lying on the bed in pain because of gunshot injuries. However, the accused Paltan Mallah and others were acquitted by the Sessions and High Court due to lack of evidence. However, the Supreme Court reviewed the matter and reversed the order of acquittal by the lower court. As there was a long lapse of time from the lower court’s decision of acquittal to appeal, the court sentenced him to undergo imprisonment of life.

(5) Sambhal Singh v State of Uttar Pradesh

In the case of Sambhal Singh v. State of UP, wherein the four accused (Sambhal Singh, Jag Mohan Singh, Krishna Mohan Singh, and Hari Mohan Singh) murdered the three children of the Munshi Mall (deceased- the brother of the Sambhal Singh) because of a family land dispute. The Sessions court found them guilty and the High Court confirmed the sentence. However, the Apex Court observed that the age of the four accused was not considered by the lower court. Sambhal Singh was old and the other three were young, therefore, the court reduced the punishment of death penalty to life imprisonment. 

(6) Swamy Shraddananda @ Murali Manohar Mishra v State of Karnataka 

In the case Swamy Shraddananda @ Murali Manohar Mishra v State of Karnataka, the accused was the second husband of the deceased Shakereh. The deceased came from a highly reputed and wealthy family. The accused murdered the deceased after a well-designed plan and executed it accordingly for attaining property which was on her name. The Session Court ordered the death penalty and the same was confirmed by the High Court of Karnataka. However, the Supreme Court converted the death penalty to life imprisonment. This is an important case from the point of view of sentencing and remitting the sentence. The Apex Court clearly differentiated the sentence of imprisonment for life from ordinary life imprisonment and held that the remission is not applicable to the cases where the imprisonment of life is given as a substitute to the death penalty, it means the accused will be in imprisonment till his last breath. 

Commutation of Death Sentence by the State or Central Government Scope

The powers of commutation of the death sentence by the State and Central government is provided under the following provisions of the Constitution:

1. Article 72– gives pardoning power to the President.
2. Article 161– gives pardoning power to the Governor.

The difference between Article 161 and Article 72 are:

1. Article 161 is narrower than Article 72.
2. Article 72 covers the punishment sentenced by a Court Martial, however, Governor is not entitled with such powers.
3. Article 72 covers all death sentences, however, under the ambit of Article 161 death sentences are not covered.

Imprisonment for Life

Life imprisonment is one of the types of punishment which is recognized under Section 53 of the IPC. Earlier this was also known as transportation for life. This punishment is given for serious crimes wherein the convicted remains in prison until his/her last breath. 

Scope of Section 57

Section 57 of the IPC is used when fractions of terms of punishment need to be calculated. However, it is important to understand that this section does not give any implied or explicit right to the prisoner to reduce his life imprisonment to 20 years of the sentence.

Under some sections like Section 116,119,120 and 511 of the Code, the prisoners can ask for relief under this section.

Is Life Sentence does Period of 14 Years? 

In the case of Duryodhan Rout vs State Of Orissa (2014), the Apex Court clearly stated that reading Section 55 of the Code and Section 433 and 433 A of Cr.P.C, life imprisonment is not confined to 14 years of imprisonment, only the appropriate government can commute the life imprisonment of the prisoner.

The government can commute the punishment of life imprisonment to the imprisonment of term equal to or less than 14 years, or if the prisoner exceeded 14 years of imprisonment then he can be released.

In 1961 in Gopal Vinayak Godse vs. The State of Maharashtra & Ors., the question ‘whether there is any section in the law wherein the life imprisonment without formal remission by the appropriate government can be automatically treated as one for a definite period?’ came to the Apex Court as a question of law. Answering the question the court pointed out the observation made by the judicial committee which stated that, the transportation for life shall be deemed to be transportation for 20 years, however, this does not say that it shall be deemed to be considered the same for all purposes. Further, the provisions under which transportation for life has been amended to imprisonment for life can also not be put under Section 57 IPC. Therefore, a sentence of imprisonment for life or transportation for life must prima facie need to be considered as imprisonment or transportation for the whole life of the prisoner till his natural death.

The distinction between ‘Commutation’ under Section 55, Indian Penal Code 1860, and Section 433, Code of Criminal Procedure 1973

There is a thin line difference between Section 55, IPC and Section 433, Cr.P.C. Section 55 of IPC covers only the commutation of life imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years. Whereas Section 433 of Cr.P.C. covers the following powers of commutation to the appropriate government:

1. Death sentence- to any other punishment can be given which is recognised under the IPC.
2. Life imprisonment- to imprisonment not exceeding 14 years or fine.
3. Sentence of rigorous imprisonment- to any term of simple imprisonment (within the term he is convicted ) or fine.
4. Sentence of simple imprisonment- Fine. 

However, both provisions give power to the appropriate government to commute the sentencing of the offender without the consent of the offender. For the understanding of the section, the appropriate government can be either State or Central Government. If the order is passed under the matter which is exclusively covered by the union list, then the central government will be considered as an appropriate government. Otherwise, in all other cases, the State Government will have the power to commute the sentence. 

In the case of Harishankar, Gayaprasad Jaiswal vs State Of Gujarat, the Gujarat High Court observed that Section 55 of IPC is independent of Section 433 (b) of Cr.P.C. 

Imprisonment

The general meaning of imprisonment means captivity or to put someone in prison. Under Section 53 of IPC, imprisonment can be of two types. One is simple and the other is rigorous. As per Section 60 of the IPC, the competent court has the discretion to decide the description of sentencing. It can be of various types, like:

1. Wholly or partly rigorous; or
2. Wholly or partly simple; or
3. Any term to be rigorous and the rest simple.

Minimum Wages for Prisoners 

The prisoners who are prisoned in jail get wages for doing work inside the jail. The work done by them either can be voluntary or it can be part of their punishment. The wages of the prisoners are fixed as per their skills. Their classification is based on a) skilled, b) semi-skilled and c) unskilled.

Kerala High Court was the first High Court which took the initiative of giving minimum wages to the prisoners. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) after taking into the recommendation of the Mulla Committee proposed Indian Prisons Bill 1996. As per the Bill, it was prescribed that the wages should be fair, adequate and equitable wage rates. While considering the minimum wage rate it shall be prevalent to each State and Union territory agricultural, industry, etc. wage rate. Units of work shall also be prescribed for such minimum wages. The average per capita cost of the food and clothing shall be reduced from the wages and the remaining wages shall be paid to the prisoners.

The wages are given on per day basis. The idea of the prisoner’s wage is to compensate the victim or the relative of the victim from the fund made by the prisoner’s wage. As per Prison Statistics India 2015 of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the highest wages were paid in Puducherry, followed by Delhi’s Tihar and Rajasthan. The wages for skilled varied from Rs.180- Rs.150, for semiskilled Rs.160- Rs.112 and for unskilled Rs.150- Rs.103 as per the top three high waged states.

Forfeiture of Property

Forfeiture generally means the loss of property without any compensation in return, which is the result of the default caused by the person in terms of contractual obligation, or in paying penalty for illegal conduct.

In two provisions the forfeiture of the property has been abolished:

1. Under Section 126 for committing depredation on territories of Power at peace with the Government of India.
2. Under Section 127 for receiving property taken during war or depredation mentioned in sections 126 and 126 of IPC.

Fine

The court may impose a fine as an alternative for imprisonment or can add it is an addition to the imprisonment. In certain cases the fine is added along with imprisonment. Section 63 to 69 covers various fines under the IPC. However, as per Section 64 of the Code, when there is a default in the payment of a fine, the court may order for imprisonment. 

Amount of Fine should not be Excessive

As per Section 63 of the IPC, when the sum is not expressed under the provisions of the Code, the amount of fine to which the offender is liable is unlimited, however, the fine shall not be excessive. 

In the case of Palaniappa Gounder v. State of Tamil Nadu, the Apex Court stated that the sentence given by the court shall be proportionate to the nature of the offence which includes the sentence of fine. And the punishment shall not be unduly excessive.

Sentence of Imprisonment for Non-payment of Fine 

Under IPC Section 64, the following offences are covered:

1. Imprisonment with fine;
2. Imprisonment or fine;
3. Fine only and where the offender is sentenced to:

(i) imprisonment; or 

(ii) fine or both.

In such cases, the court of competence shall direct the sentence to the offender for a certain term. Under Section 66 of the IPC, the court has the discretion to provide any description for the imprisonment. 

In the case of H.M Treasury (1957), the court said that in the case if the death of the convict has occurred then also the fine will be recovered from his property. 

Scope of Section 65

As per Section 65 of IPC, the court shall limit the imprisonment when the offender is sentenced to imprisonment and fine because of non-payment of fine. The limit of imprisonment shall not exceed one-fourth of the term of imprisonment which is the maximum period of the particular offence.

Scope of Section 67

Under Section 67 of IPC, the offences for which this section will be applicable is the offence which is punishable with fine only.

1. The imprisonment so awarded shall be simple only;
2. However, the term shall not exceed the following scale: 

• If fine does not exceed Rs. 50- the term shall not exceed two months;
• If fine does not exceed Rs. 100- the term shall not exceed four months;
• If fine exceeding of Rs. 100 to any amount- term shall not exceed six months. 

Recovery of Fine

Under Sec 421 of the Cr.P.C., the Court after passing the sentence can take the action for the recovery of the fine in two ways:

1. The court can issue a warrant to levy the amount by attaching and selling any movable property which belongs to the offender; or
2. Can issue a warrant to the collector of the district at the place of living of the offender, authorizing him to take the money from the immovable property or movable property or both. 
3. Provided that such actions shall not be ordered by the court if the offender has undergone imprisonment due to the default he made for the payment of the fine. Further, if the court gives any such order as after the offender has undergone imprisonment, then the court shall give special reasons for the same.

Further, in the case of Raju Tiwari v. State of Chhattisgarh, the Chhattisgarh High Court stated that without giving a proper ‘special reason’ the court can not order for the levy of money under Section 421 of CrPC when the offender already had undergone imprisonment for non-payment.

Conviction for Doubtful Offences

As per Section 72 of the IPC, when there is doubt regarding which offence has been committed by the offender and there is a problem to get evidence for the offences committed by the offender, in such circumstances the court can give the lowest punishment if the same punishment provided for all.

Solitary Confinement

Section 73 of the IPC covers solitary confinement (“Sol. Conf.”). The Code gives the description of the way punishment to be ordered by the Court. While giving solitary confinement the court shall keep in mind not to exceed three months in total. The scale is as follows:

• If the term not exceeds more than six months- Sol. Conf. not exceeding one month;
• If the term exceeds more than six months but not exceed one year- Sol. Conf. not exceeding two months;
• If the term exceeds one year- Sol. Conf. not exceeding three months.

Section 74 of the IPC gives the limit of Solitary Confinement while executing the Sol. Conf. the duration shall not exceed fourteen days.

And further, if the solitary confinement given exceed three months, then confinement shall not exceed 7 days in one month. 

Scope of the Sections Providing Solitary Confinement

In the case of Sunil Batra Etc vs Delhi Administration And Ors. the court observed that the Sol. Conf. should not be ordered unless it is deemed to be required as per the offence committed by the offender. The offence shall be extreme violence or the commission of the offence shall be brutally committed by the offender. However, the court felt that Sol. Conf. inhumane and horrendous. 

In the case of Smt. Triveniben & Ors vs State Of Gujarat & Ors, the court had a similar view and held that under Sec 30 (2) of the Prisons Act, the jail authorities do not have right to Sol. confine the prisoner who is under sentence of death. 

Enhanced Punishment 

Scope of Section 75

Under Section 75 of the Code when a person is convicted for the second time of an offence which is punishable under Chapter XII (Offences Relating to Coin and Government Stamps) or Chapter XVII (Offences Against Property), if sentenced for more than three years imprisonment, they are liable to greatly enhanced sentence. 

However, even when it seems like under Section 348 of the Cr.P.C. the magistrate is competent, the magistrate is not competent to award sentence under this provision when viewed with the amendment in Section 30 of Cr.P.C. wherein the Session Judge has the power to adjudicate such matters. Even though Section 75 makes certain classes of cases liable to be enhanced, it is not obligatory to the Court to do so while sentencing.generally this provision is used to give a deterrent effect. Further, it needs to be noted that the previous convictions for the attempt to commit an offence not covered under the ambit of this section.

Compensation to Victims of Crime 

The purpose of the criminal justice system is to protect the rights of the individuals and give punishment to the offenders. In such cases, the accused is caught and he is punished. However, an essential part is left over i.e. the ‘victim’. Earlier no one uses to consider the losses of the victim. Thereby compensation is the method to provide justice to the victim.

Compensation to Victims of Crime from Fine

The IPC provided various provisions under which fine is given as a mode of punishment. However, the fine sometimes is not sufficient enough to realise the actual loss of the victim. And the amount prescribed under IPC is minimal which need to be amended as per the current requirements.

Compensation to Victims of Crime from Victim Compensation Scheme

In 2009, the Central Government ordered the State to prepare a scheme for the compensation of victims. The main objective of the scheme was to support the dependents of the victims who suffered the loss or injury due to offence. Under this scheme, the rehabilitation can also be made.

Compensation to Victims of Crime from Wages of Prisoners

Under this, from the wages of the prisoners, a certain percentage of money is deducted and the saved money is converted into a fund for the welfare of the victims. However, recently a PIL was filed in the High Court of Delhi wherein the deduction of the wage of the Prisoners was considered to be arbitrary in nature and asked for repealing such provisions. Another interesting fact is as per the records of 2006 around Rs.15 crore was collected out of which only Rs.14 Crore is lying unutilised. However, the Delhi High Court held that deduction in prisons wages not wrong if allowed under the law.

Proposals for Reform

The proposals for reform in sentencing can be as follows:

• Reclassification of criminal offences: There is a huge increase in the types of offences, therefore to classify offences into different classes or separating them into different codes will make the Code more understandable and lucid. Further under the different codes the procedure and nature of trail can also be explained.
• The punishments need to be deterrent at the same time it shall not be severe. Therefore, it is time for Indian Judiciary to have a sentencing policy, so there is no space for ambiguity and bias of the Judge which creates a barrier while sentencing. And this step will also reduce the appeals for enhancing or reducing punishment which will be a great relief for the judiciary.
• A proper victim compensation fund can be created under the Code, wherein the confiscated assets from organised crime can also be included.

References

• https://www.loc.gov/law/help/sentencing-guidelines/india.php
• https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/MC1/MC1-Part1Section2.pdf
• https://indiacode.nic.in/handle/123456789/2263?locale=en
• https://www.iitk.ac.in/wc/data/IPC_186045.pdf
• https://madhavuniversity.edu.in/constitutional-validity-of-capital-punishment.html
• https://www.indianbarassociation.org/constitutionality-of-death-penalty/
• https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/201779/12/12_chapter%205.pdf
• https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/commutation-of-death-sentence
• https://www.srdlawnotes.com/2017/04/punishments-under-indian-penal-code1860.html
• https://www.jatinverma.org/need-for-reforms-in-indias-criminal-justice-system/
  

  ---

  Students of Lawsikho courses regularly produce writing assignments and work on practical exercises as a part of their coursework and develop themselves in real-life practical skills.

  LawSikho has created a telegram group for exchanging legal knowledge, referrals, and various opportunities. You can click on this link and join:

  https://t.me/lawyerscommunity

  Follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more amazing legal content.