Imposed for the most heinous crimes, such as murder (IPC Section 302), rape with murder (IPC Section 376A, 376AB), waging war against the state (IPC Section 121), and certain terror-related offenses.

The CrPC 1973 (Section 354(3)) requires courts to record 'special reasons' for imposing the death sentence.

Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the 'Right to Life and Personal Liberty', but its interpretation has allowed for the death penalty in exceptional circumstances, subject to due process.

The President (Article 72) and Governors (Article 161) have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment, or to suspend, remit, or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offense, including death sentences.

The Supreme Court has held that the death penalty should only be awarded in the 'rarest of rare' cases, as per the doctrine established in Bachchan Singh v. State of Punjab (1980).

Arguments against capital punishment include its irreversible nature, potential for judicial error, disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, and its questionable efficacy as a deterrent.

Arguments for capital punishment often cite retribution, deterrence, and public safety.

India is among the countries that retain the death penalty, though executions are rare and subject to strict judicial scrutiny.

Imposed for the most heinous crimes, such as murder (IPC Section 302), rape with murder (IPC Section 376A, 376AB), waging war against the state (IPC Section 121), and certain terror-related offenses.

The CrPC 1973 (Section 354(3)) requires courts to record 'special reasons' for imposing the death sentence.

Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the 'Right to Life and Personal Liberty', but its interpretation has allowed for the death penalty in exceptional circumstances, subject to due process.

The President (Article 72) and Governors (Article 161) have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment, or to suspend, remit, or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offense, including death sentences.

The Supreme Court has held that the death penalty should only be awarded in the 'rarest of rare' cases, as per the doctrine established in Bachchan Singh v. State of Punjab (1980).

Arguments against capital punishment include its irreversible nature, potential for judicial error, disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, and its questionable efficacy as a deterrent.

Arguments for capital punishment often cite retribution, deterrence, and public safety.

India is among the countries that retain the death penalty, though executions are rare and subject to strict judicial scrutiny.