Centre Examining Whether Hanging Should be Replaced as Mode of Death Penalty: Supreme Court Told

The Central government told the Supreme Court that it is examining at the highest level whether execution of the death penalty should continue through hanging or be replaced by a more painless method.

The Court was hearing a 2017 petition challenging Section 354(5) of the CrPC, which provides for hanging till death. 

The plea stated that hanging is cruel and that the right to life includes the right to die with dignity, and proposed alternatives such as lethal injection.

After hearing the submissions, the Court reserved its order and directed all parties to submit written briefs within two weeks.

[Rishi Malhotra v. UOI]