SC Issued Guidelines to Fast-Track Death Penalty Process

The Supreme Court set guidelines to prevent delays in death penalty executions and handling mercy petitions. 

The Court stressed the importance of quick action by both the judiciary and executive to avoid unnecessary delays,including timely handling of mercy petitions to protect convicts' rights under Article 21 .The guidelines also mandate that convicts receive at least 15 days' notice before execution and are treated humanely throughout the process.

States must set up special teams to manage mercy petitions, with deadlines to ensure timely execution of death penalties.