Supreme Court Questions Government’s Reluctance to Explore Alternatives to Hanging

The Supreme Court expressed concern over the Union Government’s reluctance to explore alternative methods for executing death row convicts.

A Division Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta observed that the Government “was not ready to evolve” with contemporary standards of justice and humanity.

The petitioner argued that execution by hanging caused unnecessary pain, was archaic, and violated the right to human dignity, proposing lethal injection as a more humane and efficient alternative. The Government maintained that the issue involved policy considerations beyond judicial interference.

Subsequently, the Court adjourned the hearing to November 11.

[Rishi Malhotra v Union of India]