Supreme Court Issues Landmark Guidelines for Processing Mercy Petitions

The Supreme Court of India has issued comprehensive guidelines to ensure the timely and fair processing of mercy petitions in death penalty cases. This move aims to prevent delays and safeguard the constitutional rights of death row inmates.

The guidelines specifically assign responsibilities to state governments, union territories, and sessions courts, setting clear protocols for the handling of mercy petitions. State Home or Prison Departments are now required to create dedicated cells tasked with managing mercy petitions. These cells will streamline the process and ensure a swift response.

A prescribed timeframe has been set for processing mercy petitions, ensuring that these petitions are handled without unnecessary delays. The guidelines mandate that records be maintained accurately and that death penalty cases be listed promptly in sessions courts to avoid procedural holdups. It requires state public prosecutors and investigative agencies to be notified about the status of appeals, reviews, or mercy petitions, ensuring transparency and accountability.

The Supreme Court has emphasized the urgent need for the expeditious processing of mercy petitions, underlining that death row convicts must not be subjected to undue delays in their legal proceedings. The court reminded the executive authorities of their duty to process these petitions in a timely manner, reiterating that unnecessary delays could infringe upon the convict’s constitutional rights.

This significant step underscores the importance of ensuring justice is not only fair but also timely. The Supreme Court's move is seen as a crucial effort to prevent the prolonged suffering of death row inmates while maintaining the integrity of the legal system. By enforcing these guidelines, the court aims to ensure that justice is served without unnecessary delay, upholding the constitutional rights of individuals, even those facing the death penalty.