Supreme Court Upholds Right to Seek Remission for Life Sentences in Gangrape Cases

The Supreme Court has highlighted the right to remission for convicts serving life sentences under Section 376DA of the IPC, concerning gangrape cases involving minors. In a key ruling, the court clarified that seeking remission is both a constitutional and statutory right, essential even in severe sentencing contexts such as these.

Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan were addressing a legal challenge to the constitutional validity of this section. The court scrutinized whether the mandatory life sentence prescribed in these cases diminishes a convict's right to remission, and reiterated their entitlement under Article 72 or Article 161 of the Constitution.

The bench recognized that while the punishment is severe, the right to remission offers a legal pathway for convicts, ensuring they are not deprived of appeal opportunities. This decision emphasizes the balance between delivering justice and upholding human rights.

(With inputs from agencies.)