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Supreme Court Sets Deadline for Balwant Singh's Mercy Plea on SG's Request

In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has issued an order establishing a deadline for the processing of Balwant Singh Rajoana's mercy plea. The decision was made following a request by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta during the hearing.


The Solicitor General underscored the need for a time-bound resolution, citing the prolonged pendency of the plea filed under Article 72 of the Constitution. This provision grants the President of India the authority to grant pardons or commute sentences in certain cases. Singh's plea has been pending since 2012, following his conviction in the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh.


A bench led by Justice Aniruddha Bose took note of the Solicitor General's submission and emphasized the importance of expeditious consideration of mercy petitions, particularly in cases involving the death penalty. The court expressed concern over the inordinate delay and its potential impact on the convict's rights.


The bench instructed the Central Government to ensure all necessary steps are taken to facilitate a final decision on the mercy plea within the specified timeframe. It also directed the concerned authorities to communicate their recommendations to the President promptly.


This directive aligns with the Supreme Court's consistent stance on addressing delays in death penalty cases, where prolonged uncertainty can amount to inhumane treatment under Article 21 of the Constitution.


The court’s decision is expected to expedite the resolution of Balwant Singh’s case, marking a crucial step in balancing judicial efficiency with human rights concerns.






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