Union of India vs. V. Sriharan @ Murugan & Others

Updates

1. News23 Dec 2015

   Limits to remission powers

   The Supreme Court's five-judge Constitution Bench delivered its judgment in Union of India vs V. Sriharan @ Murugan & Others on December 2, the last day of...

   Explanation in simple terms

   What:

   The Supreme Court decided there are limits to the power to shorten prison sentences.

   Who:

   The Supreme Court of India is the judicial body making the decision, and V. Sriharan @ Murugan and others are the parties involved in the case.

   When:

   Reported on 23 Dec 2015.

   Where:

   Supreme Court of India.

   Why:

   The court determined this to clarify legal rules regarding the authority to reduce criminal sentences.

   What it means:

   This ruling sets a precedent for how much authority governments have to reduce jail time for prisoners.

   The Hindu
2. News2 Dec 2015

   ‘Life Sentence’ and ‘Remission’; Questions referred to Constitution Bench in Sriharan Case

   BackgroundIn Swamy Shraddananda (2) v. State of Karnataka (2008), a three Judge Bench of the Supreme Court held that there is a good and strong basis for...

   Explanation in simple terms

   What:

   The Supreme Court is asking a larger group of judges to clarify rules about life sentences and prison release.

   Who:

   The Union of India is the government side and V. Sriharan @ Murugan and others are the accused.

   When:

   Reported on 2 Dec 2015.

   Where:

   Supreme Court of India.

   Why:

   The court needs to decide if the government can reduce life sentences for prisoners convicted of certain crimes.

   What it means:

   A special group of judges will now interpret the laws regarding when and how prison terms end.

   LiveLaw