Annual Statistic Reports 2021
The primary objective of the report is to systematically document and analyze the use and trends of the death penalty in India for the year 2021. It aims to provide comprehensive statistical insights into death sentences imposed by trial courts, and how these cases are treated at appellate levels (High Courts and the Supreme Court). Additionally, the report seeks to identify patterns in offences leading to death sentences, track changes over time, and evaluate broader legal and systemic developments influencing the administration of capital punishment
Process
The report relies on a combination of data collection and verification methods. Death sentence data from trial courts is primarily gathered through English and Hindi online news reports, which are then cross-verified with judgments available on High Court and district court websites. The researchers continuously refine their data collection techniques to address gaps, and compile statistics across different judicial levels (Sessions Courts, High Courts, Supreme Court). The methodology also includes categorizing cases by offence type, tracking case outcomes (confirmation, commutation, acquittal), and comparing trends with previous years and official datasets such as prison statistics.
