Law Commission rebukes Indian Express, says report on death penalty 'incorrect'

The Commission says that it regards the news report as an interference in its functioning.

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In a press statement released by the Ministry of Law and Justice, the Law Commission has clarified that a report carried by the Indian Express on the Commission's views on death penatly are incorrect and does not reflect the final views of the commission. The Commission also said that it considered the news report as an interference with its functioning.

On August 28, the newspaper had reported, "In what will be a reversal of its earlier stand, the Law Commission of India is set to recommend abolition of death penalty in the country. A 272-page draft report of the Law Commission, circulated among members, favours speedy abolition of the death penalty from the statute books, except in cases where the accused is convicted of involvement in a terror case."

The report further said that "The final report, which is likely to be cleared by seven full-time members, including chairman Justice (retired) A P Shah, and four part-time members, could be submitted to the government either over the weekend or next Monday. There may not be unanimity on the recommendation for ending death penalty because some members are opposed to it. The term of the Commission ends on August 31."

The Law Commission has however rebuked the news report. The Commission says

The “draft report” that has been reported upon is not the final version that is proposed to be submitted to the Union Minister of Law and Justice. The Commission further clarifies that a subject like death penalty is extremely sensitive in nature, and reporting on such a subject without clearlyunderstanding the views of the Commission may have an adverse impact on the public. Attributing the final viewsof the Commission to a “draft report”, that was intended for private circulation amongst Members and meant for discussion, has opened up the issue for unnecessary speculation.

The Chief of Bureau and Legal Editor of Indian Express who reported on the draft response tweeted the following in response to the Law Commission press release.