Supreme Court dismisses plea to abolish hanging as death penalty method
The case involves a public interest litigation challenging the constitutional validity of Section 354(5) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, which prescribes hanging as the sole method of executing the death penalty. The petitioner sought a declaration that this method violates Article 21 of the Constitution and that the right to die by a dignified procedure is a fundamental right.
Petitioner: Rishi Malhotra & Anr.; Respondent: Union of India; Bench: Justice Mehta.
- The Court dismissed the plea to abolish hanging as the method of execution.
- The Court stated that the Union is free to explore alternative methods of execution.
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Document details
| Official title | Supreme Court Dismisses Plea To Abolish Hanging As Method To Execute Death Penalty, Says Union Free To Explore Alternatives |
| Source body | Supreme Court of India — orders & judgments |
| Reference number | Rishi Malhotra v. Union of India, W.P.(Crl.) No. 145/2017 |
| Status | closed (order) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Closing date | — |
| Documents | 1 |