[Nirbhaya] SC Hearing On Convict Vinay's Plea Against Rejection of Mercy Petition-[Live-Updates]

Justice Banumathi again states that all these arguments have been considered by the Court. Singh says that categorical conviction has not been done in this case; that there is a need for bifurcation.

Singh once again elicits the quote, “Justice hurried is justice buried. There was a hurry on behalf of the President and therefore, non-application of mind.”

Singh then informs the Court that the politicians have only conducted press conferences with respect to this case and not any other case. He cites examples of Smriti Irani, Prakash Javadekar, Arvind Kejriwal and others.

Singh states, “Pick and choose formula has been adopted in this case by the President of India. The WhatsApp message document was only done in this case.”

SG interjects saying that such statements cannot be made.

Singh continues positing the issues afflicted with the aspect of mental health and the bearing it has on commutation of sentence.

Singh tells the Court that he spent the entire night drafting the petition and the particular paragraph which he is reciting came to him at 4am, which is an auspicious moment. He also informs the court that one person hanged himself in jail this very week.

Justice Bhanumathi tells Singh that this is not required. Singh answers that this is the medical record and therefore, is highly important. He continues reading the report.

Singh cites the Shatrughan Chauhan judgement and the resolutions undertaken as per the UNGA. He also invokes the principle of “Vasudheva Kutumbakam” which translates into “the world is one family”.

Reading out the medical record of Vinay Sharma, Singh states that taking into account the mental health of Sharma, he should have been supplied with adequate support.

“Prisoner on death row face deteriorating mental health and must be examined regularly.”

“There has been a flagrant violation of his right to life and right to live with dignity under Article 21.”

Singh tells the Bench that the Petitioner was sent to the psychiatric department multiple times by the advocates who did not have any authority to do so; only the central jail authorities could do so.