Annual Statistic Reports 2023
The primary objective of the report is to present a comprehensive analysis of the use and trends of the death penalty in India for the year 2024. It aims to document key statistics such as the number of death sentences imposed, the size and characteristics of the death row population, and the outcomes of cases across different levels of the judiciary. Additionally, the report seeks to examine patterns in judicial decision-making, including compliance with sentencing guidelines, the nature of offences leading to death sentences, and broader legal and systemic developments influencing the administration of capital punishment.
Process
The report follows a consistent methodology used in previous editions. Data on death sentences and related developments were initially gathered from news reports and subsequently verified through official e-courts platforms of trial and appellate courts. The researchers also tracked and analyzed trial court judgments to assess compliance with judicial guidelines, particularly the Supreme Court’s directive in Manoj v. State of Madhya Pradesh (2022), which requires courts to consider relevant sentencing materials such as psychological evaluations and reports on the accused’s background and conduct. This combination of secondary data collection and judicial record verification ensured accuracy and depth in the analysis.
