Nirbhaya Convict Vinay Sharma Approaches Delhi LG Seeking Commutation Of Death Sentence

2012 Delhi Gangrape and murder convict, Vinay Sharma has knocked on the doors of Delhi Lieutenant Governor seeking commutation of his death sentence to that of life imprisonment. Invoking the power of the government under Sections 432 and 433 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), Vinay has requested the LG to suspend and commute his sentence.

His application, filed through lawyer AP Singh, concedes that he has made several unsuccessful representations before the judiciary but it is the first time that he is approaching the Executive. He states that as his life is nearing an end, he wants to take one last opportunity to appeal to the Executive's kindness and beg to save him from death. To this end, an appeal has been made to allow him an oral representation before the LG, through his legal representative.

The application extensively narrates the circumstances he faced since being lodged in jail 7 years ago. He highlights the numerous instances of being beaten up, tortured and humiliated by police and jail inmates alike. Moving on, it is submitted that he's from a poor family with old parents. To buttress this, precedents have been cited where the Apex court has decided to commute a death sentence to one of life imprisonment on the basis of socio-economic conditions of the convict.

Further, Vinay expresses his regret for the incident that took place and attempts to focus on the reformatory activities he's been undertaking while in jail. He is on the way to reformation, but the courts have not taken this into account, it is urged.

In the interest of fairness and justice, therefore, an oral hearing before the LG is crucial to explain the nuances of the case prays Vinay. The mental and physical torture he has undergone, his path towards reformation and his socio-economic conditions are the grounds on which suspension and subsequent commutation of sentence are sought.

All four death row convicts in the case are scheduled to be executed on March 20, 2020 at 5.30 am after a lower court issued a fourth death warrant against them on March 5.