1. What is the Rajendra Singh vs. State of M.P. Case all about?
The Rajendra Singh vs. State of M.P. case in 1976 was a significant judgement concerning the constitutional validity of the death penalty in India. Rajendra Singh, convicted of murder, challenged the constitutionality of the death penalty on the grounds that it violated Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantee the right to equality, freedom, and life, respectively.
2. Facts of the Rajendra Singh vs. State of M.P. Case Relevant for UPSC
- Parties Involved: Rajendra Singh (appellant) vs. State of Madhya Pradesh (respondent).
- Legal Questions:
- Whether the death penalty is unconstitutional under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Indian Constitution.
- The circumstances under which the death penalty can be imposed.
- Noteworthy Events:
- Rajendra Singh was sentenced to death for the crime of murder.
- He challenged the death sentence, arguing that it was arbitrary and in violation of his fundamental rights.
3. What are the Major Judgements/Changes Brought by Rajendra Singh vs. State of M.P. Case?
The Supreme Court, in this case, laid down important guidelines regarding the imposition of the death penalty:
- The death penalty is not unconstitutional per se, but its imposition must be reserved for the “rarest of rare” cases.
- Emphasized that judges must provide special reasons for awarding the death penalty, ensuring that it is not imposed arbitrarily.
4. What was the Impact of Rajendra Singh vs. State of M.P. Case on Indian Constitution?
- Rarest of Rare Doctrine: The judgement contributed to the formulation of the “rarest of rare” doctrine, guiding courts on when the death penalty can be imposed.
- Judicial Safeguards: It reinforced the need for judicial safeguards and detailed reasoning when awarding the death penalty, thereby protecting the fundamental rights of individuals.
5. Was this Rajendra Singh vs. State of M.P. Case Challenged/Reversed in Future?
The principles established in this case were further elaborated and upheld in subsequent cases, notably in Bachan Singh vs. State of Punjab (1980), which cemented the “rarest of rare” doctrine in Indian jurisprudence regarding the death penalty.
6. Doctrines/Theories/New Concepts Introduced by Rajendra Singh vs. State of M.P. Case
- Rarest of Rare Doctrine: Introduced the concept that the death penalty should only be imposed in the “rarest of rare” cases, requiring judges to provide specific and detailed reasons for such a sentence.
- Judicial Review and Safeguards: Highlighted the importance of judicial review and the need for stringent safeguards to prevent arbitrary imposition of the death penalty, thus protecting the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.