The petitioners had submitted before the High Court that the delay in deciding their mercy petitions was entirely attributable to the executive including the Governor of Maharashtra, State Government, Central Ministry of Home Affairs and President of India.
They have been in custody for over 25 years till December 15, 2021, the plea contended.
Advocate Sandesh Patil appearing for the Central government, argued that the mercy petition had been sent across to the President as soon as it was received from the State government.
He pointed out the President had decided the application within 10 months and there had been no delay on their part.
On the other hand, Chief Public Prosecutor Aruna Pai stated that if the Court is considering reducing death sentence to life imprisonment, then it should specify life imprisonment till natural death considering there was no scope for reformation.
Source: Barandbench
