Supreme Court Issues Fresh Directions to Ensure Fair Sentencing in Death Penalty Cases

The Supreme Court recently issued a series of directions aimed at ensuring fair and constitutionally compliant sentencing in death penalty cases.

The Court observed that trial courts often fail to adequately examine mitigating and aggravating circumstances before imposing capital punishment, resulting in incomplete sentencing assessments.

A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and Vijay Bishnoi also expressed concern over poor quality legal representation and lack of proper data collection regarding the convict’s background, possibility of reformation, and rehabilitation.

The Court directed trial courts to mandatorily obtain detailed mitigation reports before sentencing and instructed High Courts to ensure such reports are considered during confirmation proceedings.

[Aman Singh & Anr. v. State of Bihar]