In Brief
The Supreme Court stayed the death sentences of two appellants and addressed systemic gaps in India's death penalty process. The Court found that reports on mitigating and aggravating circumstances are typically sought only at the Supreme Court stage, causing delays and undermining fair sentencing. The judgment mandates that trial courts must call for such reports immediately after conviction, High Courts must do so at the death reference stage, and quality legal aid is essential. The Court directed the National Legal Services Authority to frame guidelines and High Courts to maintain dedicated panels for death cases. Comprehensive psychological evaluations, jail conduct reports, and mitigation investigations must be collected early to ensure balanced, constitutionally compliant sentencing that considers reformation alongside justice.
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