Highlights of SC judgment on mercy plea

The Supreme Court verdict on mercy petitions will have a far reaching effect. Here are some of the highlights of the judgment.

* Delay in deciding mercy plea is a relevant ground for commuting death sentence to life imprisonment 

* Death sentence of a condemned prisoner cannot be executed if he is suffering from mental illness and schizophrenia and must be commuted to life imprisonment 

* Solitary confinement of a death convict and other prisoners is unconstitutional 

* A death convict must be hanged within 14 days after dismissal of his mercy petition 

* Death convict and his family members must be informed after his mercy plea is rejected by the President or governor 

* Legal aid be provided inside jail to the condemned prisoners 

* Death sentence of four aides of forest brigand Veerappan commuted to life term on ground of delay in deciding their mercy plea by the govt 

* Condemned prisoners must be given a chance to meet their family members before execution of death sentence