SC for fast-tracked death penalty hearings

NEW DELHI: In a bid to expedite hearing in death penalty cases -possibly prompted by delays in the hanging of the four men convicted of the December 2012 gang-rape and murder in Delhi that shocked the country — the Supreme Court has decided that it will list for hearing, appeals from high courts challenging death penalty sentences within six months from the date on which the matter is admitted by the top court for hearing.

Such appeals will be listed before three-judge bench within six months irrespective of whether all documents and records relating to the case have been filed or not.

These directions were given by the apex court on February 12 by way of an office order issued by the court on its administrative side. The order also laid down deadlines for obtaining records of the case from high

courts and for parties to file additional documents in the case.

The order states that as soon as an appeal involving a death

penalty is filed, a communication will be sent to the high court by the Supreme Court registry calling for the original records of the case within sixty days. This includes translation of documents in vernacular language.

Further, the order also said that once Supreme Court admits the matter, additional documents should be filed by parties within thirty days from the date on which registry of the court intimates the parties of the same.

If records or additional documents are not received or filed within the prescribed time period, the case will be listed before judge in chambers so that appropriate directions can be passed. This marks a departure from the current practice of listing those cases in which filings have not been completed, before the registrar court.

These procedural changes come in the backdrop of the events surrounding the hanging of the four convicts in the 2012 Delhi gang rape case.

The four men were convicted for the gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old physiotherapy student in a moving bus in Delhi.