Is hanging by the neck an inhumane form of execution that violates a death row convict's right to life? The Supreme Court wants the Centre to weigh in and opine on the question. The apex court's direction comes in a Public Interest Legislation filed opposing hanging as a form of capital punishment. The PIL, filed by lawyer Rishi Malhotra in his personal capacity, refers to previous Supreme Court judgements that have censured the practise of hanging to execute people convicted of capital crimes. The Supreme Court, while observing that other scientific and less painful forms of execution could be used, asked the Centre to file its reply to the petition in three weeks.

Source: India Today October 06, 2017 12:22 UTC