SAKSHI PARDHE

27 MARCH 2025

​The Supreme Court of India has underscored the necessity of comprehensive psychological evaluations for individuals facing the death penalty. In May 2022, the Court recommended that prosecuting agencies present psychiatric and psychological assessments of the accused at the appropriate stage in capital offense cases. This approach aims to establish the mental state of the individual at the time of the crime and to evaluate their potential for reform during incarceration.

Further emphasizing this stance, in October 2022, the Supreme Court mandated that psychological evaluations and access to mitigating investigators are essential before hearing appeals against death sentences. This directive ensures that courts receive a holistic understanding of the convict’s physical and mental condition, as well as their background, which is crucial when adjudicating appeals in capital punishment cases.

These measures reflect the Court’s commitment to a thorough and humane approach in capital punishment cases, ensuring that all relevant factors, including mental health and potential for rehabilitation, are meticulously considered before confirming a death sentence.​

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