Delhi High Court Calls for Reform-Oriented Sentencing
The Delhi High Court urged the need for reform-oriented sentencing, referencing ancient Hindu jurisprudence. Justice Girish Kathpalia criticized the state's approach after rejecting Vikram Yadav's plea for premature release multiple times. The court highlighted reformatory policies while requesting a review of the Sentence Review Board's decision and its composition.
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The Delhi High Court has highlighted the importance of adopting a reform-oriented sentencing approach, drawing inspiration from ancient Hindu jurisprudence. This comes as Justice Girish Kathpalia called upon the state to revisit its earlier decision to deny premature release to prisoner Vikram Yadav.
Yadav, sentenced to life for a 2001 murder, had been behind bars for over 21 years. Despite maintaining good conduct, his pleas were rejected five times between 2020 and 2023. The court emphasized the need for an end to such punishments, echoing sentiments from Kautilya's Arthashastra.
The judge criticized the Sentence Review Board's approach, which he described as mechanical and lacking in sensitivity. The court proposed including sociologists and criminologists in the Board to ensure fair consideration of prisoner reformation and urged the review of decisions with reformative zeal.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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