Annual Statistic Reports 2024
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 adopts a data-driven methodology consistent with previous editions. Information on death sentences and case developments was primarily collected from news reports, which were subsequently verified using official e-courts platforms of trial and appellate courts. In addition, since 2023, the methodology has expanded to include tracking and analysing trial court judgments to assess their adherence to the Supreme Court’s directives (particularly in Manoj v. State of Madhya Pradesh, 2022) regarding the consideration of relevant sentencing materials such as the accused’s mental health, life circumstances, and conduct. This combined approach ensures both breadth (through media tracking) and accuracy (through judicial verification and judgment analysis).
