SC Junks Death Penalty to Man Convicted of Killing Wife, Daughter

The Top Court Has Underscored Several Systemic Hurdles Faced by Marginalised Individuals in the Judicial Process

- Utkarsh Anand

NEW DELHI: India's criminal justice system disproportionately disadvantages the accused, especially those who are economically or socially vulnerable, the Supreme Court has lamented while setting aside the death penalty awarded to a man convicted of murdering his wife and 12-year-old daughter.

Citing serious lapses in the conduct of his trial, a three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sanjay Karol and Sandeep Mehta held that the accused was denied a fair trial due to procedural deficiencies, including the absence of legal representation at crucial stages of the proceedings.