Death Penalty for “Kidnapping for Ransom” (S.364A IPC) Not Unconstitutional, Applicable to...

7/23/2019 Death Penalty for “Kidnapping for Ransom” (S.364A IPC) Not Unconstitutional, Applicable to Non-terrorist Offender…

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/death-penalty-for-kidnapping-for-ransom-s364a-ipc-not-unconstitutional 1/58

REPORTABLE

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION

CRIMINAL APPEAL NO.824 OF 2013

Vikra Si!"# $ Vi%k& ' A!r. (A))*++a!,-

V-.

U!i! / I!ia ' Or-. (R*-)!*!,-

J U D G M E N T

T.S. THAKUR, J.

1. T#i- a))*a+ & -)*%ia+ +*a* ari-*- i! -*#a,

)*%5+iar %ir%5-,a!%*-. T#* a))*++a!,- *r* ,ri* %!i%,*

a! -*!,*!%* , *a,# /r %i--i! / //*!%*-

)5!i-#a+* 5!*r S*%,i!- 302 a! 364A / ,#* I!ia! P*!a+

C* 1860. T#* %!i%,i! a! -*!,*!%* aar* , ,#*

a- a//ir* & ,#* Hi"# C5r, / P5!7a a! Har&a!a i!

a))*a+ a! **!,5a++& & ,#i- C5r, i! Crii!a+ A))*a+-

N.136913: / 2008. T#* a))*++a!,- i !, #**r

"i*95). T#*& /i+* ;ri, P*,i,i! <Cr+.= D N.1>1:: / 2012

1



*/r* ,#i- C5r, /r a *%+ara,i! ,#a, S*%,i! 364A i!-*r,*

i! ,#* IPC & A%, 42 / 13 a- ultra vires ,#* C!-,i,5,i!

, ,#* *?,*!, ,#* -a* )r*-%ri*- *a,# -*!,*!%* /r a!&!*

/5! "5i+,&. T#* )*,i,i!*r /5r,#*r )ra&* /r @5a-#i!" ,#*

*a,# -*!,*!%* aar* , ,#* )*,i,i!*r & ,#* ,ria+ %5r,

a- a//ir* & ,#* Hi"# C5r, a! & ,#i- C5r, i! Crii!a+

A))*a+- N.136913: / 2008. A mandamus ir*%,i!"

%5,a,i! / ,#* -*!,*!%* aar* , ,#* )*,i,i!*r ,

i)ri-!*!, /r +i/* a- a+- )ra&* /r. T#* ri, )*,i,i!

a- **!,5a++& i,#ra! i,# +i*r,& , ,#* )*,i,i!*r- ,

a))ra%# ,#* 75ri-i%,i!a+ Hi"# C5r, /r r*r*--. T#*

a))*++a!, ,#*r*a/,*r * ,#* Hi"# C5r, / P5!7a a!

Har&a!a a, C#a!i"ar# i! C;P N.18>6 / 2012 )ra&i!" /r

a mandamus -,riki!" ! S*%,i! 364A / ,#* IPC a! /r

a! r*r r*-,rai!i!" ,#* *?*%5,i! / ,#* *a,# -*!,*!%*

aar* , ,#*. R*)*!i!" / ,#* %a-* / ,#* a))*++a!,-

a! %5,a,i! / ,#* *a,# -*!,*!%* /r i)ri-!*!,

/r +i/* *r* a+- )ra&* /r i! ,#* ri, )*,i,i!. A Dii-i!

B*!%# / ,#* Hi"# C5r, / P5!7a a! Har&a!a #a- #i+*

i-i--i!" ,#* -ai )*,i,i! & i,- 75"*!, a! r*r a,*

2



3r O%,*r 2012 ,ak*! ,#* i* ,#a, ,#* @5*-,i! #*,#*r

S*%,i! 364A / ,#* IPC a- a,,ra%,* , ,#* %a-* a, #a!

a! #*,#*r a )*r-! /5! "5i+,& / a! //*!%* )5!i-#a+*

5!*r ,#* )ri-i! %5+ * -*!,*!%* , *a,# a- !,

!+& rai-* & ,#* a))*++a!,- a- a! ar"5*!, */r* ,#i-

C5r, i! a))*a+ /i+* & ,#* 5, a- !,i%* a! /5!

a"ai!-, ,#*. T#* Hi"# C5r, #i+* -a&i!" - r*+i* 5)!

,#* /++i!" )a--a"* / ,#* 75"*!, / ,#i- C5r, i! ,#*

a))*a+ /i+* & ,#* a))*++a!,- a"ai!-, ,#*ir %!i%,i!

“… A plain reading of the Objects and Reasonswhich led to the amendment shows the concern of Parliament in dealing with kidnapping for ransom a

crime which called for a deterrent punishment, evenin a case where the kidnapping had not resulted inthe death of the victim. he statistics further reveal that kidnapping for ransom had become a lucrativeand thriving industr! all over the countr! which must be dealt with, in the harshest possible manner and an obligation rests on "ourts as well. "ourts to lend a helping hand in that direction. #n the case beforeus, we find that not onl! was Abhi $erma kidnapped for ransom which act would b! itself attract thedeath penalt! but he was murdered in the process.#t is relevant that even before the aforesaid amendments, this "ourt in %enr!&s case 'supra(observed that death sentence could be awarded even in a case of kidnapping and murder based oncircumstantial evidence...)

2. T#* Hi"# C5r, /5r,#*r #*+ ,#a, ,#* @5*-,i! /

@5a!,5 / -*!,*!%* #a a+- **! *?ai!* & ,#i- C5r,

3



i! ,#* /++i!" )ara"ra)# / ,#* 75"*!, *+i*r* i! ,#*

%rii!a+ a))*a+ /i+* & ,#* a))*++a!,-

“*+. ome of the judgments aforesaid refer to theongoing debate as to the validit! and propriet! of the death sentence in a modern societ!. here arethe moralists who sa! that as -od has given life, healone has the right to take it awa! and this privilegecannot be usurped b! an! human being. here areothers who believe that the death sentence cannot be taken as a retributive or deterrent factor as thestatistics show that the possibilit! of a deathsentence has never acted as a deterrent to seriouscrime. he theor! which is widel! accepted in #ndia,however, is that as the death penalt! is on thestatute book it has to be awarded provided thecircumstances justif! it. he broad principle hasbeen laid in Bachan Singh’s case 'supra( as the“rarest of the rare cases). achan ingh case hasbeen followed b! a series of judgments of this "ourt delineating and setting out as to the kind of mattersthat would fall within this categor!. #n Machhi Singh & Ors. Vs. State of Punjab /012 '2( ""

+34 this "ourt gave an indication as to what could constitute this categor!…)

3. T#* Hi"# C5r, ! ,#* a* r*a-!i!" %!%+5* ,#a,

,#i- C5r, #a %!-i*r* ,#* !a,5r* / ,#* //*!%* a! i,-

"rai,& a! #*+ ,#a, ,#* a))*++a!,- *-*r* ,#* a?i5

)5!i-#*!, )r*-%ri* /r ,# ,#* //*!%*- )r* a"ai!-,

,#*. T#* Hi"# C5r, #*+ ,#a, ,#* )+*a ! -5"#, , *

rai-* & ,#* ri,9)*,i,i!*r- , ,#* *//*%, ,#a, S*%,i! 364A

/ ,#* IPC a- a,,ra%,* !+& #*! ,#* //*!%* a-

%i,,* a"ai!-, ,#* "*r!*!, r a /r*i"! %5!,r& *,%.

4



r ,#a, ! -5%# //*!%* a- a* 5, i! ,#* %a-* / ,#*

)*,i,i!*r- #a **! *?ai!* a! *%i* a"ai!-, ,#*

)*,i,i!*r- #i%# )+*a %5+ !, * r*9a"i,a,* & ,#* i!

%++a,*ra+ )r%**i!"-. Hai!" -ai ,#a, ,#* Hi"# C5r,

)r%*** , *?ai!* ,#* )+*a rai-* & ,#* a))*++a!,- !

i,- *ri, r*/*rr* , ,#* #i-,ri%a+ a%k"r5! i! #i%# ,#*

)ri-i!- / S*%,i! 364A *r* a* , ,#* -,a,5,* k

a! #*+ ,#a, S*%,i! 364A / IPC **! i! ,#* /r i! #i%#

i, a- i!i,ia++& i!,r5%* a* ki!a))i!" & a!& )*r-! i!

,#* %ir%5-,a!%*- i!i%a,* i! ,#* -ai )ri-i! a! //*!%*

! a,,*r a, ,#* ,i* / i!i,ia+ i!-*r,i! / S*%,i! 364A

I!ia a- !, %i,,* , ,#* I!,*r!a,i!a+ C!*!,i!

A"ai!-, ,#* Taki!" / H-,a"*- 1: , #i%# i, *%a* a

)ar,& !+& ! :,# S*),**r 14. I, a- !+& ,#*r*a/,*r

,#a, S*%,i! 364A a- a*!* , i!%r)ra,* ,#*

*?)r*--i! “an! foreign state or international

inter5governmental organi6ation or an! other person) ,

#!5r ,#* %i,*!, 5!*r ,#* -ai C!*!,i!. T#*

Hi"# C5r, a%%ri!"+& r*)*++* ,#* ar"5*!, ,#a, S*%,i!

364A a- a,,ra%,* !+& i! -i,5a,i!- #*r* ki!a))i!" a-

5



*a!, , %*r%* ,#* "*r!*!, r a!& i!,*r!a,i!a+

r"a!ia,i! , r !, , a )ar,i%5+ar a%, i!%+5i!" ,#*

*a! /r )a&*!, / ra!-. T#* ri, )*,i,i! a- !

,#a, r*a-!i!" i-i--* & ,#* Hi"# C5r, #i%# i-i--a+

i- #a, i- 5!*r %#a++*!"* i! ,#i- a))*a+ */r* 5-.

4. ;#*! ,#* a))*a+ i!i,ia++& %a* 5) */r* a ,9J5"*

B*!%# / ,#i- C5r, ,#* -a* a- ir*%,* , * )+a%*

*/r* a +ar"*r B*!%# /r a! a5,#ri,a,i* )r!5!%**!,

*-)*%ia++& *%a5-* ,#* a))*++a!,- #a **! aar* a *a,#

-*!,*!%* #i%# -, a//ir* & a B*!%# / %ri!a,*

75ri-i%,i!. T#a, i- )r*%i-*+& # ,#* a,,*r #a- %* 5)

*/r* 5- /r /i!a+ #*ari!".

>. A))*ari!" /r ,#* a))*++a!,- Mr. Tri)5rari Ra& /++*

& M- A+,a/ A#a a! R.S. S#i -*!ir a%a,*- #

a))*ar* /r ,#* i!,*r*!*r- -,r*!55-+& ar"5* ,#a,

S*%,i! 364A / ,#* IPC a- a,,ra%,* !+& i! -i,5a,i!-

#*r* a! //*!%* a- %i,,* a"ai!-, ,#* *r!*!,

a!& /r*i"! S,a,* r i!,*r!a,i!a+ i!,*r9"*r!*!,a+

r"a!i-a,i!. T#* )ri-i! ar"5* ,#* +*ar!* %5!-*+ #a

! a))+i%a,i! , -i,5a,i!- i! #i%# a i%,i a- a5%,*

6



r ki!a))* /r ra!- *a! /r a )ria,* i!ii5a+.

T#* )ri-i!- / S*%,i! 364A i, a- %!,*!* *r*

*a!, , *a+ i,# ki!a))i!" & ,*rrri-,- /r ra!- r

#*r* ,*rrri-,- ,ak* #-,a"*- i,# a i* , %)*++i!" ,#*

*r!*!, r a /r*i"! S,a,* r i!,*r!a,i!a+

i!,*r9"*r!*!,a+ r"a!i-a,i! , r a-,ai! /r i!"

a!& a%, i!%+5i!" )a&*!, / ra!-.

6. O! *#a+/ / ,#* r*-)!*!,- i, a- %!,*!* & Mr.

Ra!7i, 5ar S+i%i,r *!*ra+ ,#a, ,#* @5*-,i! #*,#*r

S*%,i! 364A IPC a- a,,ra%,* , ,#* /a%, -i,5a,i! / ,#*

%a-* a, #a! a- *?ai!* a! *%i* & ,#i- C5r, i! ,#*

%rii!a+ a))*a+ /i+* & ,#* a))*++a!,- a"ai!-, ,#*ir

%!i%,i! a! -*!,*!%*. T#* i* ,ak*! & ,#i- C5r, i! ,#*

a))*a+ #ai!" a,,ai!* /i!a+i,& i, a- !, )*! , ,#*

a))*++a!,- , r*9a"i,a,* ,#* i--5* i! %++a,*ra+ )r%**i!"-.

R*+ia!%* i! -5))r, / ,#a, -5i--i! a- )+a%* 5)! ,#*

*%i-i!- / ,#i- C5r, i! Naresh Shridhar Mirajkar etc. v.

State of Maharashtra (A! "#$% S "' Pre) hand

*arg v. +,cise o))issioner -.P. Aahabad (A!

7



"#$/ S ##$' a! !u0a Ashok 1urra v. Ashok 1urra

and Anr. (2332' 4 S /55.

:. A+,*r!a,i*+& i, a- %!,*!* ,#a, S*%,i! 364A / ,#*

IPC a- i*+& r* , %*r !, !+& -i,5a,i!- #*r*

,*rrri-,- ,ak* #-,a"*- , %)*+ ,#* *r!*!, r a

/r*i"! S,a,* r a!& i!,*r!a,i!a+ i!,*r9"*r!*!,a+

r"a!i-a,i! 5, a+- #*r* a!& )*r-! a5%,- r ki!a)-

,#* i%,i /r ! r* ,#a! %)*++i!" )a&*!, / ra!-

& ,#* /ai+& / ,#* i%,i. I, a- %!,*!* ,#a, ,#* Hi"#

C5r, #a ri"#,+& a!a+&-* ,#* )ri-i!- *?ai!* ,#*

#i-,ri%a+ )*r-)*%,i* , #+ ,#a, S*%,i! 364A a- !,

%!/i!* !+& , %a-*- i!+i!" a%,- / ,*rrri- 5, a-

a,,ra%,* **! i! %a-*- #*r* ,#* %ri* i- %i,,* /r

-*%5ri!" ra!-.

8. T#*r* i- ! "ai!-a&i!" ,#a, i! a! a))*a+ ir*%,*

a"ai!-, a! r*r / %!i%,i! a! -*!,*!%* ,#* a))*++a!, i-

*!,i,+* , 5r"* a++ -5%# %!,*!,i!- a- ar* )*! , #i i!

+a a! ! /a%,-. O!* / ,#* %!,*!,i!- )*! , ,#*

a""ri** %!i%, i! -5%# %a-*- i- ,#a, ,#* )ri-i! 5!*r

#i%# #* #a- **! %!i%,* #a- ! a))+i%a,i! , #i- %a-*

8



r ,#a, ,#* i!"r*i*!,- / ,#* //*!%* i,# #i%# #* #a- **!

%#ar"* ar* !, *-,a+i-#* , 75-,i/& #i- %!i%,i!. I,

/++- ,#a, ,#* %!,*!,i! ,#a, S*%,i! 364A a- !,

a,,ra%,* i! ,#* )r*-*!, %a-* a- )*! , ,#* a))*++a!,- a!

a- i! /a%, aa!%* ! ,#*ir *#a+/ i! ,#* a))*a+ /i+* &

,#*. N, !+& ,#a, ,#* %!,*!,i! a- *?ai!* a!

r*7*%,*. S +!" a- ,#a, r*7*%,i! #+- ,#* /i*+ ,#*r* i- !

r /r ,#i- C5r, r a!& ,#*r %5r, /r ,#a, a,,*r , ,ak*

a %!,rar& i*. T#* ri, )*,i,i! /i+* & ,#* a))*++a!,- ,

,#* *?,*!, ,#* -a* -5"#, , 5r"* ,#a, -*%,i! 364A a-

!, a,,ra%,* , ,#* %a-* a, #a! a- ,#5- !,

ai!,ai!a+* i! +a.

. I! !u0a Ashok 1urra’s %a-* <-5)ra= a C!-,i,5,i!

B*!%# / ,#i- C5r, *?ai!* ,#* ),i!- aai+a+* , a

+i,i"a!, a""ri** / a /i!a+ 75"*!,r*r / ,#i- C5r,

a/,*r ,#* i-i--a+ / ,#* r*i* )*,i,i! /i+* & #i. T#i-

C5r, r*i** ,#* %a-* +a ! ,#* -57*%, a! #*+ ,#a, a

/i!a+ 75"*!,r*r )a--* & ,#i- C5r, %a!!, * a--ai+*

i! a! a))+i%a,i! 5!*r Ar,i%+* 32 / ,#* C!-,i,5,i! / I!ia

& a! a""ri** )*r-! r*"ar+*-- #*,#*r #* a- r a-

9



!, a )ar,& , ,#* %a-*. T#i- C5r, a+- *?ai!* ,#*

%)*,i!" %!-i*ra,i!- / "ii!" /i!a+i,& , ,#* 75"*!,-

/ ,#* C5r, / +a-, r*-r, ! ,#* !* #a! a! ,#* !** ,

i-)*!-* 75-,i%* ! r*%!-i*ra,i! / a 75"*!, ! ,#*

,#*r a! #*+ ,#a, i! rar*-, / rar* -i,5a,i!- a /i!a+

75"*!, / ,#* C5r, a& r*@5ir* r*9%!-i*ra,i! , -*,

ri"#, ,#* i-%arria"* / 75-,i%* %)+ai!* /. I! -5%# %a-*-

i, 5+ !, !+& * )r)*r 5, **! +i"a,r& /r ,#* C5r,

, ,# +*"a++& a! ra++& r*%,i/& ,#* *rrr. T#i- C5r,

/5r,#*r #*+ ,#a, ,#* 5,& , 75-,i%* i! -5%# rar*-, / rar*

%a-*- -#a++ )r*ai+ *r ,#* )+i%& / %*r,ai!,& r /i!a+i,& /

75"*!,-. T#* /++i!" , )a--a"*- /r ,#* *%i-i!

ar* a))-i,*

“+4. he petitioners in these writ petitions seek re5consideration of the final judgments of this "ourt after the! have been unsuccessful in review petitionsand in that these cases are different from the casesreferred to above. he provision of Order 78 Rule 9

of the upreme "ourt Rules bars further applicationfor review in the same matter. he concern of the"ourt now is whether an! relief can be given to the petitioners who challenge the final judgment of this"ourt, though after disposal of review petitions,complaining of the gross abuse of the process of "ourt and irremedial injustice. #n a tate like #ndia,governed b! rule of law, certaint! of law declared and the final decision rendered on merits in a lisbetween the parties b! the highest court in the

countr! is of paramount importance. he principle of finalit! is insisted upon not on the ground that a

10



judgment given b! the ape: "ourt is impeccable but on the ma:im ;#nterest reipublicae ut sit finis litium).

+/. ::::::::::

+*. he concern of this "ourt for rendering justice ina cause is not less important than the principle of finalit! of its judgment. <e are faced with competing principles 5 ensuring certaint! and finalit! of a judgment of the "ourt of last resort and dispensing justice on reconsideration of a judgment on theground that it is vitiated being in violation of the principle of natural justice or giving scope for apprehension of bias due to a =udge who participated in the decision making process not disclosing his linkswith a part! to the case or on account of abuse of the process of the court. uch a judgment, far fromensuring finalit!, will alwa!s remain under the cloud of uncertaint!. Almight! alone is the dispenser of absolute justice 5 a concept which is not disputed but b! a few. <e are of the view that though =udges of the highest "ourt do their best, subject of course tothe limitation of human fallibilit!, !et situations ma! arise, in the rarest of the rare cases, which would re>uire reconsideration of a final judgment to set right miscarriage of justice complained of. #n such

case it would not onl! be proper but also obligator! both legall! and morall! to rectif! the error. After giving our an:ious consideration to the >uestion, weare persuaded to hold that the dut! to do justice inthese rarest of rare cases shall have to prevail over the polic! of certaint! of judgment as though it isessentiall! in public interest that a final judgment of the final court in the countr! should not be open tochallenge, !et there ma! be circumstances, asmentioned above, wherein declining to reconsider the

judgment would be oppressive to judicial conscienceand cause perpetuation of irremediable injustice.)

10. I! ,#* %a-* a, #a! ,#* ri, )*,i,i! /i+* & ,#*

a))*++a!,- 5!*r Ar,i%+* 32 / ,#* C!-,i,5,i! / I!ia a-

i-i--* a- i,#ra! i,# +i*r,& r*-*r* , ,#*

11



a))*++a!,- , a))ra%# ,#* Hi"# C5r,. E*! - i! ,#* +i"#,

/ ,#* )r!5!%**!, / ,#i- C5r, i! !u0a Ashok 1urra’s

%a-* <-5)ra= i/ a"ai!-, a /i!a+ 75"*!, / ,#i- C5r, a

r**& a- !, aai+a+* 5!*r Ar,i%+* 32 / ,#*

C!-,i,5,i! ,#* -a* 5+ a+- !, * aai+a+* 5!*r

Ar,i%+* 226. I/ ,#i- C5r, %5+ !, ,ak* r*-r, , Ar,i%+* 32

/r r*)*!i!" /r *?ai!a,i! i,- /i!a+ 75"**!, ,#* Hi"#

C5r, %5+ a+- !, - 5!*r Ar,i%+* 226. T#* !+&

r**& #i%# ,#* a))*++a!,- %5+ r*-r, , i! ,*r- / ,#*

i* ,ak*! i! !u0a Ashok 1urra’s %a-* <-5)ra= i- &

i!ki!" ,#i- C5r,- i!#*r*!, )*r- 5!*r Ar,i%+*- 12 a!

142 / ,#* C!-,i,5,i! / I!ia /r r*%a++ r**r-a+ r

i/i%a,i! / ,#* r*r )a--* & ,#i- C5r, i! ,#* %rii!a+

a))*a+ /i+* & ,#* a))*++a!,-. A ri, )*,i,i! */r* ,#* Hi"#

C5r, /r ,#a, r*+i*/ a- %+*ar+& 5!,*!a+* i! +a.

11. L*"a+ i)*i*!,- i! ,#* %#i%* / ,#* r**&

aai+a+* , ,#* a))*++a!,- #a* !, i--5a* ,#* Hi"#

C5r, /r *?ai!i!" a! a!-*ri!" ,#* %!,*!,i!- -5"#,

, * rai-* ! ,#* *ri,- / ,#* %a-*. ;* , )r)-* , "

i!, ,#* *ri,- / ,#* %!,*!,i!- 5r"* ! *#a+/ / ,#*

12



a))*++a!,- ! a,,*r i, a& !, * !*%*--ar& , - i!

,#* +i"#, / #a, * #a* -ai a5, ,#* ai!,ai!ai+i,& /

,#* )r%**i!"- r5"#, & ,#* a))*++a!,-. ;* - !,

!+& *%a5-* ,#* a,,*r a- ar"5* a, %!-i*ra+* +*!",#

*/r* 5- 5, a+- *%a5-* ,#* +i*- / ,#* a))*++a!,- #a!"

i! ,#* a+a!%*. ;* i++ ,#*r*/r* * +a,#* i! -#5,,i!" 5,

,#* ar"5*!,- aa!%* ! *#a+/ / ,#* a))*++a!,- ! a

,*%#!i%a+ "r5! ,5%#i!" ,#* ai!,ai!ai+i,& / ,#* )*,i,i!

/i+* & ,#* a))*++a!,-.

12. A!& a,,*), , )r)*r+& 5!*r-,a! ,#* ,r5* -%)* a!

)5r)r, / S*%,i! 364A 5-, i! 5r )i!i! -,ar, i,# ,#*

#i-,ri%a+ a%k"r5! i! #i%# ,#* )ri-i! %a* ! ,#*

-,a,5,* k. ;#*! * - * /i! ,#a, ,#* )r)-a+ /r

ai,i! / S*%,i! 364A , ,#* I!ia! P*!a+ C* a- /ir-,

i/i* & ,#* La Ci--i! / I!ia i! i,- 42 ! R*)r,

-5i,,* i! 1:1. T#* r*+*a!, )r,i! / ,#* r*)r, r*a-

a- 5!*r

“/?./44 <e consider it desirable to have a specific section to punish severel! kidnapping or abductionfor ransom, as such cases are increasing. At present,such kidnapping or abduction is punishable under ection 2?9 since the kidnapped or abducted person

will be secretl! and wrongfull! confined.

13



<e also considered the >uestion whether a provisionfor reduced punishment in case of release of the person kidnapped without harm should be inserted,but we have come to the conclusion that there is noneed for it. <e propose the following section@5

“2?+A. idnapping or abduction for ransom B<hoever kidnaps or abducts an! person withintent to hold that person for ransom shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for aterm which ma! e:tend to /+ !ears, and shall also be liable to fine.)

:::::::::::::::::::

ha0ter 26

S-MMA!7 O8 !+OMM+N9A:ONS

*9./. :::::::::::

A brief summar! of the principal recommendationsmade in each chapter is given below@

:::::::::::::::

'/+( idnapping or abduction for ransom should bean aggravated form of the offence of kidnapping or abduction punishable with rigorous imprisonment upto fourteen !ears and fine.)

13. T#* r*%*!a,i!- / ,#* La Ci--i! a))*ar

, #a* +a!"5i-#* /r !*ar+& , *%a*- */r* ,#*

Crii!a+ La <A*!*!,= Bi++ 12 a- )r*-*!,* , ,#*

Par+ia*!, & ,#* *r!*!, )r)-i!" , a , ,#* IPC

S*%,i! 364A i! a /r -+i"#,+& i//*r*!, /r ,#* !* i!

#i%# ,#* La Ci--i! #a r*%*!* -5%# ai,i!.

;#a, i- i)r,a!, i- ,#a, i! ,#* -,a,**!, / O7*%,- a!

14



R*a-!- a%%)a!&i!" ,#* i++ a ,9/+ 75-,i/i%a,i! a-

"i*! & ,#* *r!*!, /r ,#* )r)-* ai,i! !a*+&

'i( ,#a, ki!a))i!"- & ,*rrri-,- /r ra!- /r %r*a,i!"

)a!i% a!"-, ,#* )*)+* a! /r -*%5ri!" r*+*a-* / ,#*ir

a--%ia,*- a! %ar*- #a a--5* -*ri5- i*!-i!- a!

'ii( T#* La Ci--i! #a i! i,- 42! R*)r,

r*%*!* a -)*%i/i% )ri-i! , *a+ i,# ,#* *!a%*

/ ki!a))i!" a! a5%,i!- /r ra!-. T#* Bi++ **!,5a++&

+* , ,#* Crii!a+ La A*!*!, A%, 13 <A%, 42 /

13= i!,r5%i!" S*%,i! 364A , ,#* I!ia! P*!a+ C*

i,# *//*%, /r 22! Ma& 13 i! ,#* /++i!" r-

;/$4A. idnapping for ransom, etc.C <hoever kidnaps or abducts an! person or keeps a person indetention after such kidnapping or abduction and threatens to cause death or hurt to such person, or b! his conduct gives rise to a reasonableapprehension that such person ma! be put to deathor hurt, or causes hurt or death to such person inorder to compel the -overnment or an! other personto do or abstain from doing an! act or to pa! a

ransom, shall be punishable with death, or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable tofine.)

14. S#r,+& a/,*r ,#* i!,r5%,i! / ,#* a* )ri-i!

ar-* ,#* !** /r a! a*!*!, , ,#* -a*. T#*

a*!*!, a- !*%*--i,a,* & r*a-! / I!ia a%%*i!" ,

15



,#* i!,*r!a,i!a+ %!*!,i! a"ai!-, ,#* ,aki!" / #-,a"*-

a),* & ,#* *!*ra+ a--*+& / ,#* U!i,* Na,i!- !

1:,# D*%**r 1: i! ,#* a%k"r5! / Ira!ia! #-,a"*

%ri-i-. T#* C!*!,i! ai* a, /i"#,i!" i!,*r!a,i!a+

,*rrri- %a* i!, /r%* i,# *//*%, /r 3r J5!* 183

5, a- a%%** , & I!ia i,# *//*%, /r :,# S*),**r

14.

1>. T#* I!ia! P*!a+ C* <A*!*!,= Bi++ 14 Bi++

N.LGV / 14 a- i! ,#* a* a%k"r5! i!,r5%* i!

,#* Ra7&a Sa#a ! 2>,# A5"5-, 14 , a*! S*%,i!

364A - a- , -5-,i,5,* ,#* *?)r*--i! “an! other person)

& ,#* r- “an! foreign tate or international

inter5governmental organisation or an! other person) i! ,#*

-ai -*%,i!. T#* S,a,**!, / O7*%,- a! R*a-!- /r ,#*

a*!*!, a+- "a* ,#* a%k"r5! i! #i%# ,#*

a*!*!, a- %!-i*r* !*%*--ar&. T#* S,a,**!, /

O7*%,- a! R*a-!- a%%)a!&i!" ,#* i++ *r* a- 5!*r

“ADEDF OG O=D" AFH RDAOF

An international convention against the taking of

%ostages was adopted b! the Inited Fations -eneral

Assembl! on the /3 th

Hecember, /030

16



*. he said convention seeks to developinternational cooperation between the states indevising and adopting effective measures for prevention prosecution and punishment of all acts of hostage taking.

2. #ndia has decided to accede to the said convention since it is one of the important conventions aimed at fighting international terrorism. Gor the purpose of implementing theconvention it is proposed to amend section2?+A of the #ndian Penal "ode which provides punishment for the offence of kidnapping for ransom etc. #t is proposed to widen the scopeof the said section b! including therein

situations where the offence is committed witha view to compelling foreign states or international inter governmental organisationsto do or abstain from doing an! act or to pa! aransom.

+. he bill seeks to achieve the above object.)

16. A Ci,,** / H* A//air- %!-,i,5,* & Ra7&a

Sa#a *?ai!* ,#* i--5* a! -5i,,* a r*)r, a,* 2,#

N**r 14 i! -5))r, / ,#* a*!*!, , S*%,i!

364A. T#* *?i-,i!" S*%,i! 364A i !, i, )i!* ,ak* %ar*

/ -i,5a,i! #*r* ,#* //*!%* a- %i,,* i,# a i* ,

%)*+ a /r*i"! S,a,* r i!,*r!a,i!a+ i!,*r9"*r!*!,a+

r"a!i-a,i! , r a-,ai! /r i!" a!& a%, r )a&i!"

ra!-. T#* r*+*a!, *?,ra%, / ,#* R*)r, i- a- 5!*r

“#n its note furnished to the "ommittee, the Einistr!

of %ome Affairs e:plained the background and the

necessit! for amending section 2?+5A of the #ndianPenal "ode, /1?4, as under@5

17



'i( An #nternational "onvention Against theaking of %ostages was adopted b! the-eneral Assembl! of the Inited Fations on/3th Hecember, /030. he "onvention wasadopted in the background of #ranian hostage

crisis and aimed at fighting international terrorism. he "onvention entered into forceon 2rd =une, /012.

'ii( As per the "onvention, if an! person sei6esor detains and threatens to kill, to injure or to continue to detain another person inorder to compel a third part!, namel!, atate, an #nternational inter5governmental organisation, a natural or juridical person or

a group of persons to do or abstain fromdoing an! act as an e:plicit or implicit condition for the release of the hostages, it will constitute the offence of hostage taking.

(iii) #ndia acceded to the "onvention with effect from 3 th eptember, /00+.

'iv( At present, the offence of hostage taking isnot defined in the #ndian law. %owever, vide

"riminal 8aw 'Amendment( Act, /002,ection 2?+A was added to the #ndian Penal "ode to make kidnapping for ransom, etc. An offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life and also fine. his provision read with other provisions of the#ndian Penal "ode on abetment and attempt, would alread! cover hostagetaking, as defined in the "onvention to thee:tent that this Act is confined to the

territor! of #ndia. ection 2?+A #P" does not take care of situations where the offence iscommitted with a view to compelling foreigntates or international inter5governmental organisation to do or abstain from doing an! act or to pa! a ransom.

'v( %ence, the #ndian Penal "ode 'Amendment(ill, /00+ seeks to amend the said section2?+A on kidnapping for ransom, etc. to

18



make it clear that kidnapping a person tocompel the -overnment or an! foreign tateor international inter5governmental organi6ation or an! other person is punishable under that section.)

1:. I, i- *i*!, /r ,#* a* ,#a, S*%,i! 364A %a* !

,#* -,a,5,* k i!i,ia++& i! ,#* &*ar 13 !, !+& *%a5-*

ki!a))i!" a! a5%,i! /r ra!- *r* *%i!"

ra)a!, a! ,#* La Ci--i! #a r*%*!* ,#a, a

-*)ara,* )ri-i! aki!" ,#* -a* )5!i-#a+* *

i!%r)ra,* 5, a+- *%a5-* a%,ii,i*- / ,*rrri-,

r"a!i-a,i!- #a a%@5ir* *!a%i!" i*!-i!- ,#a, %a++*

/r a! *//*%,i* +*"a+ /ra*rk , )r**!, -5%# ra!-

-i,5a,i!- a! )5!i-# ,#-* r*-)!-i+* /r ,#* -a*. I, i-

a+- a!i/*-, ,#a, ,#* /5r,#*r a*!*!, , S*%,i! 364A i!

,#* &*ar 14 -i)+& a* ,#* *?)r*--i!- “foreign state

or international inter5governmental organisation) , ,#*

)ri-i! i,#5, *+*,i!" ,#* )r*9*?i-,i!" *?)r*--i! a!&

,#*r )*r-!.

18. A %!-)*%,5- / ,#* a* +*a*- ! a!!*r / 5,

,#a, ,#* *?)r*--i! “an! other person a))*ari!" i! S*%,i!

364A ri"#, /r ,#* ,i* / i,- i!i,ia+ i!%r)ra,i! i! ,#*

19



C* a- *a!, , a))+& ,#* )ri-i!- !, !+& ,

-i,5a,i!- #*r* ,#* *r!*!, a- a-k* , )a& ra!-

r , a!& ,#*r a%, 5, **! , -i,5a,i!- #*r* a!&

,#*r )*r-! #i%# 5+ i!%+5* a )ria,* )*r-! a+- a-

a-k* , )a& ra!-. T#* -5-*@5*!, a*!*!, i! ,#*

&*ar 14 a+- i !, r** ,#* *?)r*--i! “an! other

person) i! S*%,i! 364A #i+* ai!" ,#* *?)r*--i!

“foreign tate or international inter -overnment

organisation) , ,#* )ri-i! a- i, ri"i!a++& *?i-,*.

1. T#*r* i- !,#i!" i! ,#* )ri-i! , -5""*-, ,#a, ,#*

-a* i- a,,ra%,* !+& i! ra!- -i,5a,i!- ari-i!" i! a%,- /

,*rrri- ir*%,* a"ai!-, ,#* *r!*!, r a!& /r*i"!

-,a,* r i!,*r!a,i!a+ i!,*r9"*r!*!,a+ r"a!ia,i!. T#*

+a!"5a"* *)+&* i! ,#* )ri-i! i- i! 5r i* i*

*!5"# , %*r **! %a-*- #*r* ,#* *a! /r ra!- i-

a* !, a- a )ar, / a!& ,*rrri-, a%, 5, a+- /r !*,ar&

"ai! /r a )ria,* i!ii5a+.

20. I, a- !*?, ar"5* & Mr. S#i ,#a, ki!a))i!" /r

ra!- a- a+r*a& %*r* & ,#* *?i-,i!" )ri-i!- i! ,#*

IPC. H* 5r"* ,#a, S*%,i!- 3> 360 a! 361 / ,#* IPC

20



*a+ i,# kidnapping #i%# a%%ri!" , S*%,i! 3> i- /

, ki!- i. ki!a))i!" /r I!ia a! ki!a))i!" /r

+a/5+ "5aria!-#i). idnapping from #ndia i- 5!*r S*%,i!

360 / ,#* IPC #i+* kidnapping from lawful guardianship i-

%*r* & S*%,i! 361 / ,#* IPC. B,# ,#* -i,5a,i!- ar*

a* )5!i-#a+* 5!*r S*%,i! 363 / ,#* IPC i,#

i)ri-!*!, /r a ,*r #i%# a& *?,*! , -**! &*ar-

*-i*- /i!*. Abduction */i!* i! S*%,i! 362 / ,#* IPC i-

!, & i,-*+/ )5!i-#a+* a- i- ,#* %a-* i,# ki!a))i!".

21. S*%,i! 383 / ,#* IPC */i!*- e:tortion #i+* S*%,i!

384 / ,#* IPC ak*- ,#* -a* )5!i-#a+* i,#

i)ri-!*!, ,#a, a& *?,*! , ,#r** &*ar- r i,# /i!*

r i,# ,#. Sii+ar+& S*%,i!- 386 38: 388 38 / ,#*

IPC *a+ i,# a""raa,* /r- / *?,r,i! a! ar* a*

-5i,a+& )5!i-#a+*. I, a- %!,*!* ,#a, !%* a )*r-! i-

ki!a))* a! )5, i! /*ar / *a,# r i!75r& , %*r%* ,#*

)*r-! - ki!a))* r a!& ,#*r )*r-! , *+i*r a!&

)r)*r,& r a+5a+* -*%5ri,& r a!&,#i!" -i"!* #i%# a&

* %!*r,* i!, a a+5a+* -*%5ri,& %a! * )5!i-#*

-5i,a+& 5!*r ,#* )ri-i!- *!,i!* a*. T#i-

21



a%%ri!" , Mr. S#i i)+i*- ,#a, ,#* *?i-,i!" )ri-i!- i!

,#* IPC *r* -5//i%i*!, , *a+ i,# ri!ar& -i,5a,i!-

i!+i!" ki!a))i!" /r ra!- ,#*r*& aki!" i,

5!!*%*--ar& /r ,#* Par+ia*!, , i!,r5%* S*%,i! 364A /

,#* IPC , %*r a! ri!ar& %ri* -i,5a,i!. T#* %r++ar&

a%%ri!" , Mr. S#i i- ,#a, S*%,i! 364A a- a* !+&

, *a+ i,# ,*rrri-, r*+a,* ra!- -i,5a,i!- a! !,

ri!ar& %ri*- +ik* ,#* !* i! ,#* %a-* a, #a!.

22. T#* ar"5*!, ,#5"# a,,ra%,i* *- !, -,a! !

%+-*r -%r5,i!&. T#* r*a-!- ar* !, /ar , -**k. S*%,i!

364A #a- ,#r** i-,i!%, %)!*!,- i. <i= ,#* )*r-!

%!%*r!* ki!a)- r a5%,- r k**)- ,#* i%,i i!

*,*!,i! a/,*r ki!a))i!" r a5%,i!K <ii= ,#r*a,*!- ,

%a5-* *a,# r #5r, r %a5-*- a))r*#*!-i! / *a,# r #5r,

r a%,5a++& #5r,- r %a5-*- *a,#K a! <iii= ,#* ki!a))i!"

a5%,i! r *,*!,i! a! ,#* ,#r*a,- / *a,# r #5r,

a))r*#*!-i! /r -5%# *a,# r #5r, r a%,5a+ *a,# r #5r,

i- %a5-* , %*r%* ,#* )*r-! %!%*r!* r -*!* *+-* ,

-*,#i!" r , /r*ar /r i!" -*,#i!" r , )a&

ra!-. T#*-* i!"r*i*!,- ar* i! 5r )i!i! i-,i!%,+&

22



i//*r*!, /r ,#* //*!%* / *?,r,i! 5!*r S*%,i! 383 /

,#* IPC. T#* */i%i*!%& i! ,#* *?i-,i!" +*"a+ /ra*rk a-

!,i%* & ,#* La Ci--i! a! a -*)ara,* )ri-i! i!

,#* /r / S*%,i! 364A )r)-* /r i!%r)ra,i! , %*r

,#* ra!- -i,5a,i!- *&i!" ,#* i!"r*i*!,- *!,i!*

a*. T#* ar"5*!, ,#a, ki!a))i!" r a5%,i! /r

ra!- a- *//*%,i*+& %*r* 5!*r ,#* *?i-,i!" )ri-i!-

/ ,#* IPC 5-, ,#*r*/r* /ai+.

23. ;* a& */r* )ar,i!" i,# ,#i- a-)*%, / ,#* a,,*r

a+- *a+ i,# ,#* ar"5*!, ,#a, ,#* *?)r*--i! Jan! other

person& a))*ari!" i! S*%,i! 364A 5"#, , * r*a ejusdem

generis i,# ,#* *?)r*--i! )r*%*i!" ,#* -ai r-. T#*

ar"5*!, !**- !,i%* !+& , * r*7*%,*. T#* r5+* /

ejusdem generis i- a r5+* / %!-,r5%,i! a! !, a r5+* /

+a. C5r,- #a* , * *r& %ar*/5+ i! a))+&i!" ,#* r5+* #i+*

i!,*r)r*,i!" -,a,5,r& )ri-i!-. Hai!" -ai ,#a, ,#* r5+*

a))+i*- i! -i,5a,i!- #*r* -)*%i/i% r- /ri!" a i-,i!%,

"*!5- %+a-- r %a,*"r& ar* /++* & "*!*ra+ r-. T#*

/ir-, -,a"* / a!& /r*!-i% a))+i%a,i! / ,#* r5+* ,#*r*/r*

#a- , * , /i! 5, #*,#*r ,#* )r*%*i!" r- %!-,i,5,*

23



a "*!5- %+a-- r %a,*"r& - ,#a, ,#* "*!*ra+ r- ,#a,

/++ ,#* %a! * "i*! ,#* -a* %+5r a- ,#* r-

)r*%*i!". I! %a-*- #*r* i, i- !, )--i+* , /i! ,#* "*!5-

i! ,#* 5-* / ,#* r- )r*%*i!" ,#* "*!*ra+ r- ,#*

r5+* / ejusdem generis i++ #a* ! a))+i%a,i!.

24. I! M<s. Siddesh=ari otton Mis (P' >td. v.

-nion of ndia and Anr. ("#5#' 2 S 465 M.N.

V*!ka,a%#a+ia# J. a- Hi- Lr-#i) ,#*! a- *?ai!* ,#*

ra,i!a+* 5!*r+&i!" ejusdem generis a- a r5+* /

%!-,r5%,i! a! -*r*

“/+. he principle underl!ing this approach tostatutor! construction is that the subse>uent general words were onl! intended to guard against someaccidental omission in the objects of the kind mentioned earlier and were not intended to e:tent toobjects of a wholl! different kind. his is a presumption and operates unless there is somecontrar! indication. ut the preceding words or e:pressions of restricted meaning must besusceptible of the import that the! represent a class.#f no class can be found, ejusdem generis rule is not attracted and such broad construction as thesubse>uent words ma! admit will be favoured. As alearned author puts it@

..... if a class can be found, but the specific words e:haust the class, then rejection of therule ma! be favoured because its adoptionwould make the general words unnecessar!K if,

however, the specific words do not e:haust theclass, then adoption of the rule ma! be

24



favoured because its rejection would make thespecific words unnecessar!.;

<ee@ "onstruction of tatutes b! DA Hriedger

P. 09 >uoted b! Grancis ennion in his tatutor! "onstruction, pp. 1*0 and 124(

2>. R*+&i!" 5)! ,#* -*ra,i!- a* & Fra!%i- B*!!i!

i! #i- S,a,5,r& C!-,r5%,i! a! E!"+i-# *%i-i!- i! SS

Magnhid v. Mcnt?re Bros. & o. ("#23' / @B /2" a!

,#-* r*!*r* & ,#i- C5r, i! :ribhuban Prakash

Na??ar v. -nion of ndia ("#$#' / S ## , -PS+B v.

1ari Shanker ("#%5' 4 S "$ #i- Lr-#i) -5*95)

,#* +*"a+ )ri!%i)+* i! ,#* /++i!" r-

“/0. he preceding words in the statutor! provision which, under this particular rule of

construction, control and limit the meaning of

the subse>uent words must represent a genus or

a famil! which admits of a number of species or members. #f there is onl! one species it cannot

suppl! the idea of a genus.)

26. A))+&i!" ,#* a* , ,#* %a-* a, #a! * /i!

,#a, S*%,i! 364A a* , ,#* IPC a* 5-* / !+&

, *?)r*--i!- i. Jgovernment& r Jan! other person&.

T#* Par+ia*!, i !, 5-* 5+,i)+* *?)r*--i!- i! ,#*

)ri-i! %!-,i,5,i!" a i-,i!%, "*!5- %+a-- r %a,*"r&.

25



I, 5-* !+& !* -i!"+* *?)r*--i! i. Jgovernment&

#i%# *- !, %!-,i,5,* a "*!5- **! #*! i, a& *

a -)*%i*. T#* -i,5a,i! a, #a! i- -*#a, -ii+ar ,

#a, #a- **! *!5!%ia,* i! raies on Statute >a=’

'3 th Ddn.( a, )a"*- 1819182 i! ,#* /++i!" )a--a"*

;he modern tendenc! of the law, it was said, Lb! As>uith = in Allen v. Dmmerson '/0++( 2?*(M is ;

to attenuate the application of the rule of ejusdemgeneris.; o invoke the application of the ejusdemgeneris rule there must be a distinct genuscategor!. he specific words must appl! not todifferent objects of a widel! differing character but to something which can be called a class or kind of objects. <here this is lacking, the rule cannot appl!, '%ood5arrs v. #R" '/0+?( * All DR 3?1( but the mention of a single species does not constitutea genus. 'Per 8ord hankerton in Inited owns

Dlectric "o. 8td. v. Attorne! -eneral for Fewfoundland '/020( / All DR +*2(. ;Inless !oucan find a categor!,; said Garwell 8.=., 'in illmansand "o. v. .. nutsford '/041( * 219( ;thereis no room for the application of the ejusdemgeneris doctrine,; and where the words are clearl! wide in their meaning the! ought not to be >ualified on the ground of their association with other words.Gor instance, where a local Act re>uired that ;theatres and other places of public entertainment;

should be licensed, the >uestion arose whether a;fun5fair; for which no fee was charged for admission was within the Act. #t was held to be so,and that the ejusdem generis rule did not appl! toconfine the words ;other places; to places of thesame kind as theatres. o the insertion of suchwords as ; or things of whatever description; would e:clude the rule. 'Attorne! -eneral v. 8eicester "orporation '/0/4( * "h. 290(. #n F.A.8.-.O. v.olton "orpn. '/0+2( A" /??( 8ord imon 8.".

referred to a definition of ;workman; as an! personwho has entered into a works under a contract with

26



an emplo!er whether the contract be b! wa! of manual labour, clerical work ;or otherwise; and said@ ;he use of the words &or otherwise& does not bring into pla! the ejusdem generis principle@ for &manual labour& and &clerical work& do not belong to

a single limited genus; and 8ord <right in the samecase said@ ;he ejusdem generis rule is often useful or convenient, but it is merel! a rule of construction, not a rule of law. #n the present caseit is entirel! inapt. #t presupposes a &genus& but herethe onl! &genus& is a contract with an emplo!er;.

'emphasis supplied(

2:. T#* a* )a--a"* a- @5,* i,# a))ra+ & ,#i-

C5r, i! *rasi) ndustries >td. v. oector of

usto)s Bo)ba? (2332' 4 S 2#% #+i!" ,#a, !,*

1<a= / C#a),*r 84 r*+*a!, , ,#a, %a-* a- %+*ar a!

5!ai"55-. I, i !, -)*ak / a %+a-- %a,*"r& r "*!5-

/++* & "*!*ra+ r- aki!" ,#* r5+* / ejusdem

generis i!a))+i%a+*.

28. T#*r* i- &*, a!,#*r a!"+* /r #i%# ,#* i--5* %a! *

i**. T#* ,*r person 5-* i! ,#* *?)r*--i! Jan! other

person& a))*ari!" i! S*%,i! 364A / ,#* IPC 5-, *

5!*r-, a- r*/*rri!" , Jperson& a- */i!* i! S*%,i! 11

/ ,#* IPC. S*%,i! 11 / ,#* IPC */i!*- ,#* ,*r Jperson& a-

5!*r

27



“he word “person) includes an! "ompan! or Association or bod! of persons, whether incorporated or not.)

2. T#i- 5+ *a! ,#a, ,#* ,*r Jperson& a))*ari!" i!

S*%,i! 364A 5+ i!%+5* a %)a!& r a--%ia,i! r

& / )*r-!- #*,#*r i!%r)ra,* r !, a)ar, /r

!a,5ra+ )*r-!-. T#* ,*!r / ,#* )ri-i! ,#* %!,*?, a!

,#* -,a,5,r& */i!i,i! / ,#* *?)r*--i! person a++ i+i,a,*

a"ai!-, a!& a,,*), , r*-,ri%, ,#* *a!i!" / ,#* ,*r

Jperson& , ,#* Jgovernment& r Jforeign tate& r

Jinternational inter5governmental organisations& !+&.

30. T#a, ri!"- 5- , ,#* !+& ,#*r %!,*!,i! 5r"* !

*#a+/ / ,#* a))*++a!,-. I, a- ar"5* ,#a, S*%,i! 364A ,

,#* *?,*!, i, *!i* , ,#* C5r,- ,#* i-%r*,i! , aar a

-*!,*!%* ,#*r ,#a! *a,# r +i/* i)ri-!*!, a- ultra

vires / ,#* ri"#, , +i/* "5ara!,** , ,#* a))*++a!,- 5!*r

Ar,i%+* 21 / ,#* C!-,i,5,i!. S5))r, /r ,#a, )r)-i,i!

a- ra! /r ,#* *%i-i! / ,#i- C5r, i! Mithu etc. v.

State of Punjab etc. ("#5/' 2 S 2%% #*r*& a

C!-,i,5,i! B*!%# / ,#i- C5r, -,r5%k ! S*%,i! 303 /

28



,#* IPC a- 5!%!-,i,5,i!a+. I, a- 5r"* ,#a, *!ia+ /

75i%ia+ i-%r*,i! , aar a -*!,*!%* ,#*r ,#a! *a,# a-

#*+ & ,#i- C5r, , * a r*a-! " *!5"# , *%+ar* ,#*

)ri-i! %!-,i,5,i!a++& i!a+i. Si!%* S*%,i! 364A a+-

i !, +*a* a!& i-%r*,i! i,# ,#* C5r, i! ,#* a,,*r /

-*!,*!%* *?%*), *a,# r +i/* i)ri-!*!, i, a- ! a

)ari,& / r*a-!i!" +ia+* , * -,r5%k ! a-

5!%!-,i,5,i!a+.

31. O! *#a+/ / ,#* r*-)!*!,- i, a- ar"5* ,#a,

Mithu’s %a-* <-5)ra= a- %+*ar+& i-,i!"5i-#a+* i!a-5%#

a- ,#* C5r, a- i! ,#a, %a-* *a+i!" i,# S*%,i! 303 IPC

#i%# i !, +*a* a!& ),i! /r ,#* C5r, *?%*), , aar

*a,# -*!,*!%* , a %!i%, # #i+* 5!*r"i!" +i/*

i)ri-!*!, %i,,* a 5r*r. T#a, i- !, ,#* )-i,i!

i! ,#* %a-* a, #a! #*r* ,#* Par+ia*!, #a- )r*-%ri*

a+,*r!a,i* -*!,*!%*- +*ai!" i, /r ,#* %5r,- %!%*r!* ,

aar #a, i- %!-i*r* -5i,a+* i! ,#* /a%,- a!

%ir%5-,a!%*- / a "i*! %a-*. I, a- a+- -5i,,* ,#a,

,#*r* a- !,#i!" 5,ra"*5- a5, ,#* -*!,*!%* )ri*

5!*r S*%,i! 364A k**)i!" i! i* ,#* !a,5r* a! "rai,&

29



/ ,#* //*!%* a! ,#* /a%, ,#a, ki!a))i!"- a! a5%,i!-

/r ra!- #a a--5* a+ari!" i*!-i!- i! ,#* %5!,r&

a)ar, /r ,#* /a%, ,#a, ,*rrri-,- *r* a+- 5-i!" ,#a,

*,# , a%#i** ,#*ir !*/ari5- *!-. Sii+ar -*!,*!%*-

*r* )r*-%ri* /r -**ra+ //*!%*- 5!*r ,#* IPC ,#a, *r*

%!-i*r* "ra* & ,#* Par+ia*!, # r*)r*-*!, ,#* i++ /

,#* )*)+*. T#*r* a- a, a!& ra,* ! r*a-! /r ,#i- C5r,

, " i!, ,#* @5*-,i! / @5a!,5 / -*!,*!%* a/,*r ,#*

a,,*r #a **! ,#r5"#+& *?ai!* i! ,#* %rii!a+ a))*a+

/i+* & ,#* a))*++a!,- i!%+5i!" ! ,#* @5*-,i! / -*!,*!%*

, * aar* , ,#*. T#* i--5* #*,#*r a +*--*r

)5!i-#*!, 5+ **, ,#* *!- / 75-,i%* a& ari-* i! a

"i*! %a-* #*r* ,#* i%,i i- r*+*a-* -! a/,*r #* i-

ki!a))* r a5%,* i,#5, i!" a!& #ar , #i. B5,

i! ,#* %a-* a, #a! ,#* i%,i a- !* , *a,# #i%#

%a++* /r ,#* *?,r** )*!a+,& ri"#,+& aar* , ,#*

a))*++a!,- 5)! %!-i*ra,i! / ,#* r*+*a!, %ir%5-,a!%*-.

R*/*r*!%* a- a+- a* , ,#* *%i-i!- / ,#i- C5r, i!

Maeshi v. State of @arnataka (2334' 5 S #6

Su)an Sood @a)a Ceet @aur v. State of !ajasthan

30



(233%' 6 S $/4 Vinod v. State of 1ar?ana (2335' 2

S 24$ a! Akra) @han v. State of Dest Benga

(23"2' " S 43$ i! #i%# , +i/* -*!,*!%* a- aar*

**! #*! ,#* i%,i a- r*+*a-* 5!#ar*. I, a- +a-,+&

ar"5* ,#a, %5r,- 5-, -# */*r*!%* , )ar+ia*!,ar&

i- 5!*r+&i!" a +*"i-+a,i! a! a- /ar a- )--i+* ai

i!,*r/*r*!%* i,# ,#* @5a!,5 / -*!,*!%* )r*-%ri* & +a

5!+*-- / %5r-* ,#* -a* a- - 5,ra"*5-+& r5,a+

arari% r i-)r)r,i!a,* a- , * 5!a%%*),a+* & a!&

%ii+i-* -%i*,&. T#a, !, *i!" ,#* %a-* a, #a! ,#*r* a-

! %)*++i!" !** /r ,#i- C5r, , i!,*r/*r* ar"5* ,#*

+*ar!* C5!-*+.

32. I! Mithu’s %a-* <-5)ra= ,#i- C5r, #a */r* i, a

%#a++*!"* , ,#* %!-,i,5,i!a+ a+ii,& / S*%,i! 303 #i%#

)r*-%ri* 5, !* -*!,*!%* /r a! //*!*r # %i,,*

a 5r*r #i+* 5!*r"i!" a -*!,*!%* / i)ri-!*!, /r

+i/*. T#i- C5r, -,r5%k ! S*%,i! 303 / ,#* IPC #+i!"

,#a, ,#*r* a- ! ra,i!a+ a-i- /r %+a--i/&i!" )*r-!- #

%i,,* 5r*r #i+* ,#*& ar* 5!*r a -*!,*!%* / +i/*

i)ri-!*!, a! ,#-* # ar* !, 5!*r a!& -5%#

31



-*!,*!%* /r )5r)-*- / aari!" , ,#* /r*r %a,*"r& a

a!a,r& *a,# -*!,*!%*. T#* C5r, #*+ ,#a, S*%,i! 303

a--5* ,#a, +i/* %!i%,- ar* a a!"*r5- r** /

#5a!i,& a- a %+a-- i,#5, ,#*r* *i!" a!& -%i*!,i/i% a,a

/r -5%# a! a--5),i!. T#i- C5r, /5r,#*r /5! ,#a,

)r*-%ri),i! / a a!a,r& *a,# -*!,*!%* /r ,#* //*!%*

/ 5r*r a- a -*%! //*!%* *r*+& /r ,#* r*a-! ,#a,

,#* //*!*r a- 5!*r a -*!,*!%* / +i/* i)ri-!*!, /r

,#* /ir-, -5%# //*!%* i- ari,rar& a! 5!r*a-!a+* a! ,#a,

a!a,r& *a,# -*!,*!%* 5+ !, -*r* a!& -%ia+

)5r)-*. T#* ,ia,i! / ,#* , //*!%*- a& *

i//*r*!, ,#* %ir%5-,a!%*- i! #i%# ,#*& a& *

%i,,* a& * i//*r*!, a! **! ,#* , //*!%*- a&

* a-i%a++& i//*r*!, "*!r*. T#i- C5r, a+- /5! ,#a, ,#*r*

a- ! ra,i!a+ i-,i!%,i! *,**! a )*r-! # %i,-

5r*r #i+* 5!*r"i!" ,#* -*!,*!%* / +i/* i)ri-!*!,

a! a!,#*r # *- - a/,*r #* #a- a+r*a& 5!*r"!*

-5%# -*!,*!%*. T#i- C5r, i! ,#* a* a%kr) ,k ,#*

i* ,#a, ,#* a!a,r& *a,# -*!,*!%* *)ri* ,#* C5r,

32



/ i,- i-* a! *!*/i%ia+ i-%r*,i! i! ,#* a,,*r / +i/* a!

*a,# aki!" i, #ar-# 5!75-, a! 5!/air.

33. T#* a* /*a,5r*- !,i%* & ,#i- C5r, i! Mithu’s

%a-* <-5)ra= ar* !, )r*-*!, i! ,#* %a-* a, #a! /r S*%,i!

364A *- !, a!a,* a *a,# -*!,*!%* a- a- ,#* %a-*

i,# S*%,i! 303 / ,#* IPC. I! S*%,i! 364A ,#* C5r,

*!7&- ,#* i-%r*,i! #*,#*r , aar ,#* *?,r** )*!a+,&

/ *a,# r ,#* +*--*r a+,*r!a,i* / a +i/* i)ri-!*!,.

T#*r* i- a+- ! *+**!, / a!& i-%rii!a,i! *,**!

)*r-!- # %i, ,#* //*!%* +ik* ,#* !* !,i%* & ,#i-

C5r, i! Mithu’s %a-* <-5)ra=. ;#*,#*r +i/* r *a,# 5+

* ,#* )r)*r -*!,*!%* i- i! ,#* a-+5,* i-%r*,i! / ,#*

C5r, #i%# ,#* C5r,- ar* *?)*%,* , *?*r%i-* i-*+&

#ai!" r*"ar , ,#* /a%,- / ,#* %a-* a! ,#* "rai,& / ,#*

//*!%* a! i,- -**ri,& r arari,&. T ,#a, *?,*!, ,#*r* i-

i!** ! %)ari-! *,**! Mithu’s %a-* 'supra( a!

,#* %a-* / ,#* a))*++a!,- # #a* **! aar* *a,#

-*!,*!%* !, *%a5-* ,#* +a - a!a,* 5, *%a5-* ,#i-

C5r, a/,*r %!-i*ri!" ,#* a,,*!a!, %ir%5-,a!%*- /5!

,#a, , * ,#* !+& -*!,*!%* #i%# 5+ **, ,#* *!- /

33



75-,i%*. T#i- i- *i*!, /r ,#* /++i!" )a--a"*-

a))*ari!" i! ,#* 75"*!, / ,#i- C5r, i! ,#* %rii!a+

a))*a+ /i+* & ,#* a))*++a!,- Vikra) Singh & Ors. v.

State of Punjab (23"3' / S 6$

E6$. Euch argument and passion have beene:pended b! the learned counsel as to the propriet! of the death sentence in the facts of the case. Er haran has emphasised that as the prosecution stor!

rested on circumstantial evidence, this fact b! itself was a relevant consideration in awarding the lesser sentence. #t has also been pleaded that theappellants were all !oung persons and the possibilit! that the! could be reformed during their incarceration could not be ruled out and this too wasa factor which had to be considered in awarding thesentence.

6%. Er. haran has also referred us to Hhondiba

-undu Pomaje v. tate of Eaharashtra '/03?( / "" /?* that an accused of !oung age should not ordinaril! be meted out a death sentence. Referencehas also been made b! Er haran to someobservations in achan ingh v. tate of Punjab'/014( * "" ?1+ that the mitigating circumstancein favour of an accused must also be factored in. #t has also been pleaded that the additional circumstance in favour of onia was that she wasnot onl! !oung but she was also a lad! and as it was possible that she had been influenced into theunpleasant situation b! her husband, the deathsentence should not be given to her in an! case. Er haran has also placed reliance on two recent judgments of this "ourt in antosh umar atishbhushan ari!ar v. tate of Eaharashtra'*440( ? "" +01 and ushil umar v. tate ofPunjab '*440( /4 "" +2+ whereb! it has beenindicated that the latest trend in jurisprudence wasthat the death penalt! should not be awarded e:cept in the most e:traordinar! of cases and that the

position and background of the appellant5accused was to be kept in mind in evaluating the

34



circumstances for and against the imposition of thedeath sentence.

65. hese submissions have been strongl!

controverted b! Er. =aspal ingh and Er. uldeepingh, the learned counsel representing thecomplainant and the tate of Punjab respectivel!. #t has been emphasised that ections 2?+5A and 24*both provided for the imposition of a death sentenceand as kidnapping for ransom was perhaps the most heinous of offences, no latitude should be shown tothe appellants as the! had poisoned a !oung bo! todeath for mone!. he learned counsel have also placed reliance on %enr! <estmuller Roberts v.tate of Assam '/019( 2 "" *0/ and Eohan v.tate of .F. '/001( 9 "" 22? where the kidnapvictim was a !oung bo! and had subse>uentl! beendone to death, the "ourt had awarded the death penalt!.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::

$4. A plain reading of the Objects and Reasonswhich led to the amendment shows the concern of

Parliament in dealing with kidnapping for ransom, acrime which called for a deterrent punishment, evenin a case where the kidnapping had not resulted inthe death of the victim. he statistics further reveal that kidnapping for ransom has become a lucrativeand thriving industr! all over the countr! which must be dealt with in the harshest possible manner and anobligation rests on the courts as well. he courts tolend a helping hand in that direction.

$6. #n the case before us, we find that not onl! was Abhi $erma kidnapped for ransom which act would b! itself attract the death penalt! but he wasmurdered in the process. #t is relevant that evenbefore the aforesaid amendments, this "ourt in%enr! case '/019( 2 "" *0/ observed that deathsentence could be awarded even in a case of kidnapping and murder based on circumstantial evidence holding that@ '"" p. 2/2, para +4(

“+4. … <e are of the opinion that theoffences committed b! %enr!, the

35



originator of the idea of kidnappingchildren of rich people for e:tractingransom, are ver! heinous and pre5planned. %e had been attempting toe:tract mone! from the unfortunate bo!&s

father, P< *2 even after the bo! had been murdered b! making the father tobelieve that the bo! was alive and would be returned to him if he paid the ransom.#n our opinion, this is one of the rarest of rare cases in which the e:treme penalt! of death is called for the murder of theinnocent !oung bo!, anja! in cold blood after he had been kidnapped with promise to be given sweets. <e,

therefore, confirm the sentence of deathand the other sentences awarded to%enr! b! the %igh "ourt under ections24*, 2?+, *4/ and 213 #P" and dismiss"riminal Appeal Fo. 9+9 of /01* filed b! him.)

$$. Eoreover, as alread! indicated, we have thee!ewitness statement of P< /2 aljeet aini withregard to the kidnapping of Abhi $erma from outside

the school.

$%. 8ikewise, in Eohan case '/001( 9 "" 22?which again related to a kidnapping for ransom and murder under ections 2?+5A and 24* of a !oungbo! aged ten !ears, while assessing the aggravatingand mitigating circumstances, it was observed that the former far outweighed the others. #t was held asunder@ '"" p. 2+2, para /+(

“/+. o far as appellant -opi is concerned,he not onl! did participate b! pulling therope around the neck of the bo!, asalread! narrated, but went to his houseand brought a coir rope. After removingthe rope from the neck of the bo!, heencircled the coir rope again around thebo!&s neck and pulled the said rope for about half a minute and the bo! stopped breathing. hereafter he took out one

eltron $ bo: from underneath the cot and packed the bo! in the bo:. hese

36



aggravating circumstances on the part of accused Eohan and -opi clearl! demonstrate their depraved state of mind and the brutalit! with which the! took thelife of a !oung bo!. #t further transpires

that after killing the bo! and disposing of the dead bod! of the bo!, Eohan also did not lose his lust for mone! and got theransom of Rs 9 lakhs.)

$5. <e must also emphasise that in this tragic scenario and in the drawing up of the balance sheet,the plight of the hapless victim, and the abject terror that he must have undergone while in the grip of hiskidnappers, is often ignored. ake this ver! case. Abhi $erma was onl! /? !ears of age, and had been picked up b! $ikram ingh who was known to himbut had soon realised the predicament that he faced and had shouted for help. %is terror can further bevisualised when he would have heard thethreatening calls to his father and seen the preparations to do awa! with him, which included the taping of his mouth and the administration of anoverdose of dangerous drugs. he horror, distressand the devastation felt in the famil! on the loss of

an onl! son, can also be imagined.)

34. R*+ia!%* 5)! Mithu’s %a-* <-5)ra= *- !,

,#*r*/r* #*+) ,#* a))*++a!, i! ,#*ir %#a++*!"* , ,#* vires /

S*%,i! 364A. Hai!" -ai ,#a, * 5-, a ,#a, a

+*"i-+a,i! i- )r*-5* , * %!-,i,5,i!a++& a+i i,# ,#*

5r*! / -#i!" ,#* %!,rar& +&i!" #*ai+& 5)! a!& !*

# %#a++*!"*- i,- a+ii,&. N, !+& ,#a, %5r,- -# 5*

*/*r*!%* , ,#* )ar+ia*!,ar& i- a! *?*r%i-* -*+/

r*-,rai!, #i+* *?ai!i!" ,#* vires / +*"i-+a,i!- a+i+&

37



*!a%,*. R*/*r*!%* a& i! ,#i- r*"ar * a* , ,#*

*%i-i! / ,#i- C5r, i! Maru !a) v. -nion of ndia &

Ors. ("#5"' " S "3% #*r* Faa+ A+i J. i! #i- %!%5rri!"

75"*!, -*r*

E#/. hus, on a consideration of the circumstances,mentioned above, the conclusion is inescapable that Parliament b! enacting ection +225A has rejected the reformative character of punishment, in respect of offences contemplated b! it, for the time being in

view of the prevailing conditions in our countr!. #t iswell settled that the legislature understands theneeds and re>uirements of its people much better than the courts because the Parliament consists of the elected representatives of the people and if theParliament decides to enact a legislation for thebenefit of the people, such a legislation must bemeaningfull! construed and given effect to so as tosubserve the purpose for which it is meant.)

3>. R*/*r*!%* a& a+- * a* , ,#* *%i-i! / ,#i-

C5r, i! Bachan Singh v. State of Punjab ("#53' 2 S

$54 #*r* Sarkaria J. -)*aki!" /r a7ri,& -*r*

E"%6. <e must leave unto the 8egislature, thethings that are 8egislature&s. “he highest judicial

dut! is to recognise the limits on judicial power and to permit the democratic processes to deal withmatters falling outside of those limits.) As =udges,we have to resist the temptation to substitute our own value5choices for the will of the people. incesubstituted judicial “made5to5order) standards,howsoever painstakingl! made, do not bear the people&s imprimatur, the! ma! not have the sameauthenticit! and efficac! as the silent 6ones, and green belts designedl! marked out and left open b! Parliament in its legislative planning for fair pla! of judicial discretion to take care of the variable,

38



unpredictable circumstances of the individual cases,relevant to individualised sentencing. <hen =udges,acting individuall! or collectivel!, in their benignan:iet! to do what the! think is morall! good for the people, take upon themselves the responsibilit! of

setting down social norms of conduct, there is ever! danger, despite their effort to make a rational guessof the notions of right and wrong prevailing in thecommunit! at large and despite their intention toabide b! the dictates of mere reason, that the! might write their own peculiar view or personal predilection into the law, sincerel! mistaking that changeling for what the! perceive to be thecommunit! ethic. he perception of “communit!) standards or ethics ma! var! from =udge to =udge.

#n this sensitive highl! controversial area of death penalt!, with all its comple:it!, vast implications and manifold ramifications, even all the =udges sittingcloistered in this "ourt and acting unanimousl!,cannot assume the role which properl! belongs tothe chosen representatives of the people inParliament, particularl! when =udges have nodivining rod to divine accuratel! the will of the people. #n Gurman +41 I *21 ''/00*(, the %on&ble =udges claimed to articulate the contemporar!

standards of moralit! among the American people.ut speaking through public referenda, -allup Pollsand the tate legislatures, the American peoplesharpl! rebuffed them. <e must draw a lesson fromthe same.)

36. T ,#* -a* *//*%, ar* ,#* -*ra,i!- a* & ,#i-

C5r, i! State of M.P. v. Baa aias Baara) (2336' 5

S " #*r* ,#i- C5r, -ai

E"2. he punishments prescribed b! the Penal "odereflect the legislative recognition of the social needs,the gravit! of the offence concerned, its impact onthe societ! and what the legislature considers as a punishment suitable for the particular offence. #t isnecessar! for the courts to imbibe that legislative

wisdom and to respect it.)

39



3:. I! a Par+ia*!,ar& *%ra%& +ik* 5r- +a- ar*

*!a%,* & ,#* Par+ia*!, r ,#* S,a,* +*"i-+a,5r* i,#i!

,#*ir r*-)*%,i* +*"i-+a,i* /i*+- -)*%i/i* 5!*r ,#*

C!-,i,5,i!. T#* )r*-5),i! a,,a%#* , ,#*-* +a- i- ,#a,

,#*& ar* *a!, , %a,*r , ,#* -%i*,a+ *a!- a! **,

,#* %#a++*!"*- / ,#* ,i* /r ,#* +*"i-+a,5r* i- )r*-5* ,

* -5)r**+& i-* a! aar* / -5%# !**- a! %#a++*!"*-.

T#* *a!- /r r*r*--i!" a i-%#i*/ ar* a+- i! ,#* r*a+ /

+*"i-+a,i! a! - +!" a- ,#-* *a!- ar* !, i+a,i* /

,#* %!-,i,5,i!a+ )ri-i!- r ,#* /5!a*!,a+ ri"#,- / ,#*

%i,i*!- ,#* C5r,- i++ -# */*r*!%* ,ar- ,#*. T#a,

#**r i- !, , -a& ,#a, +a- ,#a, ar* 5,ra"*5-+&

arari% r )*!a+,i*- ,#a, ar* )a+)a+& i!#5a! r

-#%ki!"+& i-)r)r,i!a,* , ,#* "rai,& / ,#* //*!%* /r

#i%# ,#* -a* ar* )r*-%ri* %a!!, * i!,*r/*r* i,#.

A- -*r* & handrachud C i! Mithu’s %a-* <-5)ra= i/

,#* Par+ia*!, *r* ,rr , a*! ,#* IPC a! ak*

,#*/, / %a,,+* & a /ar*r )5!i-#a+* i,# %5,,i!" / ,#*

#a!- / ,#* ,#i*/ ,#* C5r,- 5+ -,*) i! , *%+ar* ,#*

40



)ri-i! a- %!-,i,5,i!a++& i!a+i a! i! r*a%# / ,#* ri"#,

, +i/*. T#* C5r, -*r*

“?……………………………………

wo instances, undoubtedl! e:treme, ma! be takenb! wa! of illustration for the purpose of showing how the courts are not bound, and are indeed not free, toappl! a fanciful procedure b! a blind adherence tothe letter of the law or to impose a savage sentence. A law providing that an accused shall not be allowed

to lead evidence in self5defence will be hit b! Articles/+ and */. imilarl!, if a law were to provide that the offence of theft will be punishable with the penalt! of the cutting of hands, the law will be bad as violating Article */. A savage sentence isanathema to the civili6ed jurisprudence of Article */.hese are, of course, e:treme illustrations and weneed have no fear that our legislatures will ever passsuch laws. ut these e:amples serve to illustratethat the last word on the >uestion of justice and

fairness does not rest with the legislature. =ust asreasonableness of restrictions under clauses '*( to'?( of Article /0 is for the courts to determine so is it for the courts to decide whether the procedure prescribed b! a law for depriving a person of his lifeor libert! is fair, just and reasonable.)

38. T#a, )5!i-#*!, 5-, * )r)r,i!a,* , ,#* //*!%*

i- r*%"!i-* a- a /5!a*!,a+ )ri!%i)+* / %rii!a+

75ri-)r5*!%* ar5! ,#* r+. I! Dee)s v. -nited

States <21: US 34K >4 L.E :3K 30 S. C, >44 <110= ,#*

)*,i,i!*r #a **! %!i%,* /r /a+-i/&i!" a )5+i%

%5*!, a! -*!,*!%* , 1> &*ar- / #a, a- *-%ri*

41



a- Jcadena temporal&, a /r / i)ri-!*!, ,#a, i!%+5*

#ar +a5r i! %#ai!- a! )*ra!*!, %ii+ i-ai+i,i*-. T#* US

S5)r** C5r, #**r *%+ar* ,#* -*!,*!%* , * %r5*+

!, !+& i! ,*r- / +*!",# / i)ri-!*!, 5, a+- i!

,*r- / -#a%k+*- a! r*-,ri%,i!- ,#a, *r* i)-* & i,.

T#a, )5!i-#*!, /r %ri* -#5+ * "ra5a,* a!

)r)r,i!a,* , ,#* //*!%* i- a )r*%*), / 75-,i%* *%+ar*

,#* C5r,.

3. T#a, *%i-i! a- /++* & +n)und v. 8orida $4%

465 -S %52 ("#52' #*r* ,#* C5r, #*+ ,#a, *a,#

)*!a+,& a- *?%*--i* /r ,#* /*+!& / 5r*r #*r* ,#*

)*,i,i!*r i !, ,ak* +i/* a,,*), , ,ak* +i/* r i!,*! ,#a,

+i/* * ,ak*! r ,#a, +*,#a+ /r%* * 5-*. I! oker v.

*eorgia 4// -S 654 ("#%%' US S5)r** C5r, #*+

-*!,*!%* / *a,# , * "r--+& i-)r)r,i!a,* a!

*?%*--i* /r ,#* %ri* / ra)*. I! 1er)an Soe) v. Cerr?

Bucke? 1e) 4$/ -S 2%% %% >ed 2d $/% "3/ S t

/33" ,#* US S5)r** C5r, a- *a+i!" i,# a %a-* #*r*

H*+ a- /5! "5i+,& / #a, i- *-%ri* a- 5,,*ri!" a !

a%%5!, %#*%k /r 100 ++ar- ri!ari+& )5!i-#a+* i,#

42



i)ri-!*!, /r a )*ri / /i* &*ar- a! a /i!* / >000

++ar- 5, a- -*!,*!%* 5!*r ,#* r*%iii-, -,a,5,* /

S5,# Dak,a , 5!*r" i)ri-!*!, /r +i/*. T#* @5*-,i!

,#a, /*++ /r *,*ri!a,i! a- #*,#*r ,#* -*!,*!%* a-

i-)r)r,i!a,* , ,#* %ri* %i,,* & H*+. T#* C5r,

& a7ri,& #*+ ,#a, ,#* "*!*ra+ )ri!%i)+* / )r)r,i!a+i,&

a- a))+i%a+* a- 5%# , -*!,*!%* / i)ri-!*!, a- i,

a- , %a)i,a+ -*!,*!%*- a! ,#a, #i+* a))+&i!" ,#*

)r)r,i!a+i,& )ri!%i)+* i! %a)i,a+ %a-*- ,#* C5r, #a !,

ra! a!& i-,i!%,i! *,**! %a)i,a+ %a-*- ! ,#* !*

#a! a! %a-* / i)ri-!*!, ! ,#* ,#*r **! #*!

,#* )*!a+,& / *a,# i//*r- /r a++ ,#*r /r- /

)5!i-#*!, !, i! *"r** 5, i! ki!. T#* C5r, #*+ ,#a,

*%i-i!- r*!*r* i! %a)i,a+ %a-*- *r* !, / 5%#

a--i-,a!%* #i+* *%ii!" ,#* %!-,i,5,i!a+i,& /

)5!i-#*!,- i! !!9%a)i,a+ %a-*- i,# ,#* r*-5+, ,#a,

5,-i* ,#* %!,*?, / %a)i,a+ )5!i-#*!, -5%%*--/5+

%#a++*!"*- , ,#* )r)r,i!a+i,& / -*!,*!%*- *r*

*?%**i!"+& rar*. T#a, i !, -*r* ,#* C5r, #**r

*a! ,#a, )r)r,i!a+i,& a!a+&-i- a- *!,ir*+& i!a))+i%a+*

43



, ,#* !!9%a)i,a+ %a-*-. T#* C5r, -5*95) i,-

%!%+5-i! r*"ari!" ,#* %,ri!* / )r)r,i!a+i,& a-

a))+i%a+* , %a-*- i!+i!" -*!,*!%* / i)ri-!*!, i!

,#* /++i!" r-

“L?a, 3, 1M #n sum, we hold as a matter of principlethat a criminal sentence must be proportionate tothe crime for which the defendant has beenconvicted. Reviewing courts, of course, should grant substantial deference to the broad authorit! that legislatures necessaril! possess in determining thet!pes and limits of punishments for crimes, as well as to the discretion that trial courts possess insentencing convicted criminals. ut no penalt! is per se constitutional. As the "ourt noted in Robinsonv. "alifornia, 234 I, at ??3, 1 8 Dd *d 391, 1* "t /+/3, a single da! in prison ma! be unconstitutional in some circumstances.)

40. Mr* i)r,a!,+& ,#* C5r, r*%"!i-* ,#* /++i!"

"5ii!" )ri!%i)+*- /r *,*ri!i!" #*,#*r ,#* -*!,*!%* /

i)ri-!*!, a- i-)r)r,i!a,* , ,#* //*!%* a++*"*+&

%i,,* & ,#* a%%5-*

“L/4M #n sum, a court&s proportionalit! anal!sis under the Dighth Amendment should be guided b! objective criteria, including 'i( the gravit! of theoffense and the harshness of the penalt!K 'ii( thesentences imposed on other criminals in the same jurisdictionK and 'iii( the sentences imposed for commission of the same crime in other jurisdictions.)

41. A))+&i!" ,#* a* )ri!%i)+*- , ,#* %a-* */r* i, ,#*

C5r, *%+ar*

44



“L/cM he "onstitution re>uires us to e:amine %elm&ssentence to determine if it is proportionate to hiscrime. Appl!ing objective criteria, we find that %elmhas received the penultimate sentence for relativel!

minor criminal conduct. %e has been treated moreharshl! than other criminals in the tate who havecommitted more serious crimes. %e has beentreated more harshl! than he would have been inan! other jurisdiction, with the possible e:ception of a single tate. <e conclude that his sentence issignificantl! disproportionate to his crime, and istherefore prohibited b! the Dighth Amendment. he judgment of the "ourt of Appeals is accordingl! affirmed.)

42. Mr* r*%*!,+& i! !onad Aen 1ar)ein v. Michigan

63" -S #6% ,#* U.S. S5)r** C5r, r*i-i,* ,#* a))ra%#

, * a),* #i+* *,*ri!i!" ,#* @5*-,i! /

%!-,i,5,i!a+i,& / -*!,*!%*- /r !!9%a)i,a+ //*!%*-. T#i-

a- a %a-* #*r* ,#* )*,i,i!*r a- %!i%,* /r

)--*--i!" 6:2 "-. / %%ai!* a! -*!,*!%* , a

a!a,r& ,*r / +i/* i! )ri-! i,#5, )--ii+i,& / )ar+*.

T#* @5*-,i! ,#a, /*++ /r %!-i*ra,i! a- #*,#*r ,#*

a!a,r& +i/* i)ri-!*!, a- i! %!-!a!%* i,# ,#*

Ei"#,# A*!*!, , ,#* U.S. C!-,i,5,i!. *!!*& J. i!

#i- %!%5rri!" 75"*!, !,* ,#* i* ,ak*! & ,#* C5r,

i! Dee)s v. -nited States <-5)ra= +n)und v. 8orida

465 -S %52 !u))e v. +stee 446 -.S 2$/ and

45



Soe) v. 1e) 4$/ -S 2%% to -*r* ,#a, a+,#5"# ,#*

-ai *%i-i!- r*%"!i-* ,#* )ri!%i)+* / )r)r,i!a+i,& i,-

)r*%i-* %!,5r- r*ai! 5!%+*ar. T#* C5r, a-* ! a

%!-)*%,5- / ,#* *%i-i!- /r5+a,* -* %!

)ri!%i)+*- a))+i%a+* i! -i,5a,i!- ,#a, r*@5ir* *?ai!a,i!

/ +ii,- / )r)r,i!a+i,&. T#* /ir-, )ri!%i)+* %5++* 5, /r

,#* *%i-i!- *ar+i*r )r!5!%* & ,#* C5r, a- ,#a,

)r*-%rii!" )5!i-#*!, /r %ri*- r*-,- i,# ,#* +*"i-+a,5r*

a! !, C5r,- a! ,#a, C5r,- 5"#, , -# */*r*!%* ,

,#* i- / ,#* +*"i-+a,5r*. T#* C5r, -*r*

“he first of these principles is that the fi:ing of

prison terms for specific crimes involves asubstantive penological judgment that, as a general matter, is “properl! within the province of legislatures, not courts.) Rumel, supra, at *395*3?,?2 8 Dd*d 21*, /44 "t //22. Heterminationsabout the nature and purposes of punishment for criminal acts implicate difficult and enduring>uestions respecting the sanctit! of the individual,the nature of law, and the relation between law and the social order. “As a moral or political issue Lthe

punishment of offendersM provokes intemperateemotions, deepl! conflicting interests and intractabledisagreements.) H. -arland, Punishment and Eodern ociet! / '/004(. he efficac! of an! sentencing s!stem cannot be assessed absent agreement on the purposes and objectives of the penal s!stem. And the responsibilit! for makingthese fundamental choices and implementing themlies with the legislature. ee *ore v. -nited States F 9/ I 000M 293 I 21?, 202, * 8 Dd *d

/+49, 31 "t /*14 '/091( '“whatever views ma! beentertained regarding severit! of punishment,

46



whether one believes in its efficac! or its futilit!…these are peculiarl! >uestions of legislative polic!(.hus, “LrMeviewing courts…should grant substantial deference to the broad authorit! that legislaturesnecessaril! possess in determining the t!pes and

limits of punishments for crimes.) olem, supra, at *04, 33 8 Dd *d ?23, /42 "t 244/. ee alsoRummel, supra, at *3+, ?2 8 Dd *d 21*, /44 "t //22 'acknowledging “reluctance to review legislativel! mandated terms of imprisonment)(K<eems, supra, at 230, 9+ 8 Dd 302, 24 "t 9++'“he function of the legislature is primar!, itse:ercises fortified b! presumptions of right and legalit!, and is not to be interfered with lightl!, nor b! an! judicial conception of their wisdom or

propriet!)(.)

43. T#* -*%! )ri!%i)+* r*%"!i-* & ,#* C5r, a- ,#a,

,#* Ei"#, A*!*!, *- !, a!a,* a),i! / a!& !*

)*!+"i%a+ ,#*r& a! ,#a, )ri!%i)+*- ,#a, "5i* %rii!a+

-*!,*!%i!" #a* ari* i,# ,#* ,i*-.

44. T#* ,#ir )ri!%i)+* r*%"!i-* ,#a, i*r"*!%*- ,# i!

5!*r+&i!" ,#*ri*- / -*!,*!%i!" a! i! ,#* +*!",# /

)r*-%ri* )ri-! ,*r- i- i!*i,a+* *%a5-* / ,#* /**ra+

-,r5%,5r*. T#* /5r,# )ri!%i)+* -#a)* & ,#* %5r, a- ,#a,

)r)r,i!a+i,& r*i* & /**ra+ %5r,- 5-, * i!/r* &

7*%,i* /a%,r- , ,#* a?i5 )--i+* *?,*!,. ;#i+*

-a&i!" - ,#* C5r, #*+ ,#a, )*!a+,& / *a,# i//*r- /r

a++ ,#*r /r- / %rii!a+ )5!i-#*!,- a! ,#a, ,#* *a-i*-,

47



%)ari-! *,**! i//*r*!, -*!,*!%*- i- ,#* %)ari-!

*,**! %a)i,a+ )5!i-#*!, a! !! %a)i,a+ )5!i-#*!,.

T#* *%i-i! a+- r*%"!i-* ,#a, 7*%,i* -,a!ar- ,

i-,i!"5i-# *,**! -*!,*!%*- /r i//*r*!, ,*r- / &*ar-

ar* +a%ki!" i,# ,#* r*-5+, ,#a, 5,-i* ,#* %!,*?, / %a)i,a+

)5!i-#*!, -5%%*--/5+ %#a++*!"*- , ,#* )r)r,i!a+i,& /

)ar,i%5+ar -*!,*!%*- ar* *?%**i!"+& rar*. T#* C5r,

-5*95) i! ,#* /++i!" r-

“L2bM All of these principles B the primac! of the

legislature, the variet! of legitimate penological schemes, the nature of our federal s!stem, and

the re>uirement that proportionalit! review be

guided b! objective factors B inform the final

one@ he Dighth Amendment does not re>uirestrict proportionalit! between crime and

sentence. Rather, it forbids onl! e:treme

sentences that are “grossl! disproportionate.....)

4>. I! +=ing v. aifornia F6/5 -S ""G ,#* US S5)r**

C5r, #*+ ,#a, i, i- *!5"# i/ ,#* -,a,* #a- a r*a-!a+*

a-i- /r *+i*i!" ,#a, i,- )5!i-#*!, aa!%*- ,#* "a+- /

i,- %rii!a+ 75-,i%* -&-,* i! a!& -5-,a!,ia+ a&. T#* C5r,

5)#*+ ,#* -*!,*!%* / +i/* i)ri-!*!, aar* , Ei!"

/r ,#*/, / ,#r** "+/ -,i%k- *%a5-* i, r*/+*%,* a ra,i!a+

48



+*"i-+a,i* 75"*!, *!,i,+* , */*r*!%*. T#* C5r,

-*r*

“Our traditional deference to legislative polic! choices finds a corollar! in the principle that the"onstitution “does not mandate adoption of an! one penological theor!.) #d., at 000, //9 8 Dd *d 12?,/// "t *?14 'enned!, =., concurring in part and conrurring in judgment(. A sentence can have avariet! of justifications, such as incapacitation,deterrence, retribution, or rehabilitation. ee / <.8aGave N A. cott, ubstantive "riminal 8aw /.9, pp2452? '/01?( 'e:plaining theories of punishment(.ome or all of these justifications ma! pla! a role ina tate&s sentencing scheme. electing thesentencing rationales is generall! a polic! choice tobe made b! state legislatures, not federal courts.

:::: :::: :::: :::: :::: ::::

Dwing&s sentence is justified b! the tate&s public5safet! interest in incapacitating and deterring

recidivist felons, and ampl! supported b! his ownlong, serious criminal record. … … … o be sure,Dwing&s sentence is a long one. ut it reflects arational legislative judgment, entitled to deference,that offenders who have committed serious or violent felonies and who continue to commit feloniesmust be incapacitated. he tate of "alifornia “wasentitled to place upon LDwingM the onus of one whois simpl! unable to bring his conduct within thesocial norms prescribed b! the criminal law of thetate.) Rummel, supra, at *1+ ?2 8 Dd *d 21*, /44 "t //22. Dwing&s is not “the rare case in which athreshold comparison of the crime committed and the sentence imposed leads to an inference of grossdisproportionalit!.)

46. T#* Ca!aia! i* ! ,#* )ri!%i)+* / )r)r,i!a+i,& /

-*!,*!%* i- ! i//*r*!,. S**ra+ *%i-i!- / ,#* Ca!aia!

49



S5)r** C5r, #a* #*+ )r)r,i!a+i,& / )5!i-#*!, ,

,#* "rai,& / ,#* //*!%* , * a %!-,i,5,i!a+ r*@5ir**!,.

I! !. v. S)ith ("#5%' " S! "346 ,#* S5)r** C5r, /

Ca!aa -ai

“#n assessing whether a sentence is grossl! disproportionate, the court must first consider thegravit! of the offence, the personal characteristics of the offender and the particular circumstances of thecase in order to determine what range of sentences

would have been appropriate to punish, rehabilitateor deter this particular offender or to protect the public from this particular offender. he other purposes which ma! be pursued b! the imposition of punishment, in particular the deterrence of other potential offenders, are thus not relevant at thisstage of the in>uir!. his does not mean that the judge or the legislator can no longer consider general deterrence or other penological purposesthat go be!ond the particular offender in

determining a sentence, but onl! that the resultingsentence must not be grossl! disproportionate towhat the offender deserves.)

4:. I! !. v. *otH ("##"' / S! 456 , ,#* Ca!aia!

S5)r** C5r, a+- r*%"!i-* ,#* )ri!%i)+* ,#a, +*"i-+a,i*

*i%,- a- , @5a!,5 / )5!i-#*!, -#5+ !, * +i"#,+&

5)-*,. T#* C5r, -*r*

“Eoreover, it is clear from both mith and 8!ons,that the test is not one which is >uick to invalidatesentences crafted b! legislators. he means and purposes of legislative bodies are not to be easil! upset in a challenge under s./*.

::: ::: :::

50



his acknowledgement that sanctions servenumerous purposes underscores the legitimac! of alegislative concern that sentences be geared insignificant part to the continued welfare of the public through deterrent and protective aspects of a

punishment. his perspective is e:plicitl! affirmed inR. v. 8u:ton per 8amer ".=. hus, while the multiplefactors which constitute the mith test are aimed primaril! at ensuring that individuals not besubjected to grossl! disproportionate punishment, it is also supported b! a concern to uphold other legitimate values which justif! penal sanctions.hese values unavoidabl! pla! a role in thebalancing of elements in a ./* anal!sis.)

48. I! !. v. 8ergusson (2335' " S! #$, ,#* Ca!aia!

S5)r** C5r, #*+ ,#a, /r ,#* C5r, , i!,*r/*r* i,# ,#*

-*!,*!%i!" )ri-i! i, a- !, *!5"# , -a& ,#a, ,#*

-*!,*!%* a- *?%*--i*. ;#a, 5-, * *!-,ra,* i- ,#a,

,#* -*!,*!%* i- - 5,ra"*5-+& i-)r)r,i!a,* ,#a, ,#*

Ca!aia!- 5+ /i! ,#* )5!i-#*!, a#rr*!, r

i!,+*ra+*. T#* /++i!" -*ra,i!- -5%%i!%,+& -5 5) ,#*

,*-, , * a),*

“he test for whether a particular sentenceconstitutes cruel and unusual punishment is whether the sentence is grossl! disproportionate@ R. v. mith'/013( / "R /4+9. As this "ourt has repeatedl! held, to be considered grossl! disproportionate, thesentence must be more than merel! e:cessive. hesentence must be “so e:cessive as to outragestandards of decenc!) and disproportionate to thee:tent that "anadians “would find the punishment

abhorrent or intolerable).

51



4. T -5 5)

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)r*-%ri*.

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+*"i-+a,5r* a! !, ,#* C5r,-.

<%= T#* +*"i-+a,5r* i- )r*-5* , * -5)r**+& i-* a!

aar* / ,#* !**- / ,#* )*)+* a! ,#* *a-5r*-

,#a, ar* !*%*--ar& , **, ,#-* !**-.

(d) C5r,- -# */*r*!%* , ,#* +*"i-+a,i* i++ a!

i- a! ar* -+ i! 5)-*,,i!" ,#* *!a%,*

)ri-i!- *a+i!" i,# ,#* @5a!,5 / )5!i-#*!,

)r*-%ri* /r i//*r*!, //*!%*-.

<*= C5r,- #**r #a* ,#* 75ri-i%,i! , i!,*r/*r* #*!

,#* )5!i-#*!, )r*-%ri* i- - 5,ra"*5-+&

i-)r)r,i!a,* , ,#* //*!%* r - i!#5a! r r5,a+

,#a, ,#* -a* %a!!, * a%%*),* & a!& -,a!ar /

*%*!%&.

52



</= A-*!%* / 7*%,i* -,a!ar- /r *,*ri!i!" ,#*

+*"a+i,& / ,#* )r*-%ri* -*!,*!%* ak*- ,#* 7 / ,#*

C5r, r*i*i!" ,#* )5!i-#*!, i//i%5+,.

<"= C5r,- %a!!, i!,*r/*r* i,# ,#* )r*-%ri* )5!i-#*!,

!+& *%a5-* ,#* )5!i-#*!, i- )*r%*i* , *

*?%*--i*.

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i)ri-!*!,. T#* r*-5+, i- ,#a, #i+* ,#*r* ar* -**ra+

i!-,a!%*- #*! %a)i,a+ )5!i-#*!, #a- **!

%!-i*r* , * i-)r)r,i!a,* , ,#* //*!%*

%i,,* ,#*r* ar* *r& /* a! rar* %a-*- /

-*!,*!%*- / i)ri-!*!, *i!" #*+ i-)r)r,i!a,*.

>0. A))+&i!" ,#* a* , ,#* %a-* a, #a! * /i! ,#a,

,#* !** , ri!" i! S*%,i! 364A / ,#* IPC ar-* i!i,ia++&

*%a5-* / ,#* i!%r*a-i!" i!%i*!%* / ki!a))i!" a!

a5%,i! /r ra!-. T#i- i- *i*!, /r ,#*

r*%*!a,i!- a* & ,#* La Ci--i! , #i%#

* #a* a* r*/*r*!%* i! ,#* *ar+i*r )ar, / ,#i- 75"*!,.

53



;#i+* ,#-* r*%*!a,i!- *r* )*!i!" i,# ,#*

"*r!*!, ,#* -)*%,*r / ,*rrri- -,ar,* rai-i!" i,-

#*a ,#r*a,*!i!" !, !+& ,#* -*%5ri,& a! -a/*,& / ,#*

%i,i*!- 5, ,#* *r& -*r*i"!,& a! i!,*"ri,& / ,#*

%5!,r& %a++i!" /r a*@5a,* *a-5r*- , %5r #a, #a- ,#*

),*!,ia+ / *-,ai+ii!" a!& %5!,r&. ;i,# ,*rrri-

a--5i!" i!,*r!a,i!a+ i*!-i!- ,#* !** , /5r,#*r

a*! ,#* +a ar-* r*-5+,i!" i! ,#* a*!*!, ,

S*%,i! 364A i! ,#* &*ar 14. T#* "ra5a+ "r,# / ,#*

%#a++*!"*- )-* & ki!a))i!" a! a5%,i!- /r ra!-

!, !+& & ri!ar& %rii!a+- /r !*,ar& "ai! r a- a!

r"a!i* a%,ii,& /r *%!i% "ai!- 5, & ,*rrri-,

r"a!ia,i!- i- #a, !*%*--i,a,* ,#* i!%r)ra,i! /

S*%,i! 364A / ,#* IPC a! a -,ri!"*!, )5!i-#*!, /r

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54



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56



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57



>2. I! ,#* r*-5+, ,#i- a))*a+ /ai+- a! i- #*r*& i-i--*.

(((((((((((((.(..(J.

(T.S. THAKUR)

(((((((((((((.(..(J.

(R.K. AGRAWAL)

((((((((((..(((((..J.

(ADARSH KUMAR GOEL)

N* D*+#i

A5"5-, 21 201>

Death Penalty for “Kidnapping for Ransom” (S.364A IPC) Not Unconstitutional, Applicable to...

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Transcript of Death Penalty for “Kidnapping for Ransom” (S.364A IPC) Not Unconstitutional, Applicable to...