President’s power on Mercy Petition

The President of India recently declined the mercy petition of a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist, sentenced to death for the December 2000 Red Fort attack.

President’s power on mercy petition:

• Under Article 72 of the Indian Constitution, the President has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment, or to suspend, remit, or commute the sentence of any convicted person. This includes:
  • Sentences by a Court Martial
  • Convictions under any law related to matters within the executive power of the Union
  • Death sentences

Ref: Source