SC cites haste in trial to set aside death penalty

SC highlighted fundamental necessity of affording a fair defence to the accused.

- Utkarsh Anand

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has set aside the death penalty awarded to two men convicted of raping a minor, citing "undue haste" in the trial proceedings, while reinforcing the principles of fair trial and due process.

A bench comprising justices Vikram Nath, Sanjay Karol and Sandeep Mehta underscored the fundamental necessity of affording a fair defence to the accused, particularly in cases involving capital punishment, as it lamented that the trial was concluded within two months, depriving the accused of an adequate opportunity to defend themselves.