Supreme Court of India
THE STATE OF HARYANA & ORSversusRAJ KUMAR @ BITTU
- Citation
- 2021 INSC 377
- Decided
- 3 August 2021
- Disposal
- Disposed off
- Bench
- HEMANT GUPTA
Holding
The Governor’s power under Article 161, exercised on the State Government’s advice, is not limited by Section 433‑A, while the statutory remission policy under Sections 432/433 applies only after a prisoner has served 14 years of actual imprisonment; thus the High Court’s directions are set aside and the prisoner cannot be released under the 2008 policy until the 14‑year period is completed.
Summary
The State of Haryana challenged a High Court order directing the State to draft a fresh remission policy under Article 161 and to apply the 2008 policy for premature release of Raj Kumar, who had served 12 years and 25 days of a life sentence. The Supreme Court examined the interplay between the constitutional power of the Governor under Art. 161 and the statutory remission scheme under Sections 432, 433 and 433‑A of the CrPC. It held that the Governor’s clemency power, exercised on the advice of the State Government, is not bound by the 14‑year restriction of Section 433‑A, whereas the statutory policy can be invoked only after a prisoner has completed 14 years of actual imprisonment. Consequently, the High Court’s directions were set aside and the prisoner cannot be released under the 2008 policy until he completes the 14‑year period, though he may be considered for premature release under Article 161. The appeals were dismissed.
Issues considered
- The validity of the High Court's directions to draft a new remission policy under Article 161.
- Whether the 13‑08‑2008 statutory remission policy can be applied to a prisoner who has not completed 14 years of actual imprisonment.
- The relationship between Section 433‑A of the CrPC and the constitutional power of remission under Article 161.
- Whether the appropriate government (State) or the Governor can grant premature release before the 14‑year threshold.
- Which policy—at the time of conviction or at the time of consideration—governs remission.
Legislation cited
- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973s. 432, s. 433, s. 433-A
- Constitution of Indias. Art. 161
- Prisons Act, 1894s. 59(5)
Subjects
remissionpremature releaseArticle 161Section 433-AGovernorState Governmentstatutory policyclemencylife imprisonmentdeath sentence
Judgment
320 [2021]REPORTS
SUPREME COURT 8 S.C.R. 320 [2021] 8 S.C.R.
A THE STATE OF HARYANA & ORS
v.
RAJ KUMAR @ BITTU
(Criminal Appeal No. 721 of 2021)
B AUGUST 03, 2021
[HEMANT GUPTA and A.S. BOPANNA, JJ.]
Constitution of India: Art. 161 – Code of Criminal Procedure,
1973 – s. 432, 433, 433-A – Power of Governor to grant
pardon/remission – Order by the High Court whereby the policies
C
of the State Government to grant remission were decided, inter alia,
directing the State to consider the feasibility of drafting a fresh
policy particularly in respect of exercise of powers conferred
u/Art 161; that such policy may have retrospective operation,
provided the same does not lead to discrimination amongst
D identically situated prisoners; and till such decision is taken, the
appropriate Government can exercise its powers u/ss. 432 and 433
in terms of policy dated 13.08.2008, strictly adhering to the
restrictions imposed u/s.433A – Sustainability of – Held: Not
sustainable – Policies have to be read keeping in view the period of
imprisonment undergone by a prisoner – Power of remission is to
E
be exercised by the State Government, as an appropriate
Government, if the prisoner has undergone 14 years of actual
imprisonment in the cases falling within the scope of Section 433-A
and in case the imprisonment is less than 14 years, the power of
premature release can be exercised by the Hon’ble Governor though
F on the aid and advice of the State Government – Furthermore, the
policy dated 13.08.2008 is a statutory policy, which cannot and
has not tried to take over the discretion vested in the Hon’ble
Governor to grant pardons, remissions or commute sentence in
exercise of powers conferred u/Art. 161 – Thus, the directions issued
by the Single Bench of the High Court are set aside – On facts, the
G
prisoner has completed 12 years and 25 days as on 06.07.2021,
release of the prisoner in terms of the policy of the State Government
dated 13.8.2008, can be considered only after he completes 14 years
of actual imprisonment – However, the State Government can
consider the prisoner for premature release after undergoing
H imprisonment for less than 14 years only u/Art.161.
320
THE STATE OF HARYANA & ORS v. RAJ KUMAR @ BITTU 321
Constitution of India: Art. 161 – Power of Governor to grant A
pardon/remission – Scope of – Held: Power u/Art. 161 can be
exercised by the State Governments, not by the Governor on his
own – Advice of the appropriate Government binds the Head of the
State – Policies of the State Government are composite policies
encompassing both situations u/Art. 161 and ss. 432, 433 and
B
433-A – Remission u/Art. 161 will override s. 433-A of the Code, if
the State Government decides to be governed of its constitutional
power.
Disposing of the appeals, the Court
HELD: 1.1 The power under Article 161 of the Constitution
can be exercised by the State Governments, not by the Governor C
on his own. The advice of the appropriate Government binds the
Head of the State. No separate order for each individual case is
necessary but any general order made must be clear enough to
identify the group of cases and indicate the application of mind to
the whole group. Therefore, the policies of the State Government D
are composite policies encompassing both situations under Article
161 of the Constitution and Sections 432, 433 and 433-A of the
Code. The remission under Article 161 of the Constitution will
override Section 433-A of the Code, if the State Government
decides to be governed of its constitutional power. [Para 11][337-
D-F] E
1.2 A prisoner has to undergo a minimum period of
imprisonment of 14 years without remission in the case of an
offence, the conviction of which carries death sentence, to take
benefit of policy of remission framed by an appropriate
government under Section 432 of the Code in view of the F
overriding provision of Section 433-A of the Code. However, the
power of the Hon’ble Governor to commute sentence or to
pardon is independent of any such restriction or limitation. The
State Government can frame a policy of grant of remissions either
under Section 432 of the Code or under Article 161 of the
G
Constitution. The Governor continues to exercise the power of
commutation and release under Article 161 of the Constitution,
notwithstanding Section 433-A of the Code. The action of
commutation and release can thus be pursuant to a governmental
decision and the order may be issued even without the Governor’s
approval. However, under the Rules of Business and as a matter H
322 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 8 S.C.R.
A of constitutional courtesy, it may seek approval of the Governor,
if such release is under Article 161 of the Constitution. [Para
13][339-G-H; 340-A-C]
1.3 The policy of premature release dated 13.08.2008 was
issued in the name of the Governor and was published in the
B official Gazette. Such notification is said to have been issued in
exercise of the powers conferred under sub-section (1) of Sections
432 and 433 of the Code. Such policy is in exercise of the powers
conferred on the appropriate Government in terms of the
provisions of the Code and is thus statutory in nature. The other
policy dated 12.04.2002 is in fact a memo issued by the Financial
C Commissioner and Secretary to Government, Haryana, Jails
Department, Chandigarh to the Director General of Prisons,
Haryana, Chandigarh. Such policy of premature release would
again be traceable to the provisions of the Code. [Para 15][340-
F-H]
D 1.4 Different policies have been issued from time to time
and the later policy has superseded the earlier one, so there was
no hiatus when a policy of premature release was not in operation
or at any given point of time, the two polices were operational.
The policy dated 12.04.2002 is in supersession of earlier policy
circulated on 08.08.2000 substituted later on 23.02.2001. The
E policy dated 13.08.2008 has substituted the earlier policy dated
12.04.2002 and such policy has been published on behalf of the
Governor of the State. The policy dated 13.08.2008 has been
issued in exercise of powers conferred by sub-section (1) of
Section 432 read with Section 433 of the Code and in supersession
F of Government Memorandum dated 12.04.2002 and all other
policies. The policy dated 13.08.2008 is a statutory policy. The
said policy cannot and has not tried to take over the discretion
vested in the Hon’ble Governor to grant pardons, remissions or
commute sentence in exercise of powers conferred under Article
161 of the Constitution but it is the policy issued under a Statute
G and therefore, such policy has a statutory force. The policy dated
12.04.2002 is again a statutory policy and cannot be put at a higher
pedestal than the policy dated 13.08.2008 for the reason that it
seeks approval from the Hon’ble Governor. Such policy has been
specifically superseded on 13.08.2008, ceases to be operative
H for the convicts who are convicted after 13.08.2008. [Para 16][341-
A-E]
THE STATE OF HARYANA & ORS v. RAJ KUMAR @ BITTU 323
1.5 Section 433-A of the Code starts with a non-obstante A
clause restricting the right of the appropriate Government, to
suspend the sentence of imprisonment for life imposed on
conviction of a person for an offence for which death is one of the
punishments provided by law, that such person shall not be
released from prison unless he has served at least 14 years of
B
imprisonment. Therefore, the power of the appropriate
Government to release a prisoner after serving 14 years of actual
imprisonment is vested with the State Government. On the other
hand, the power conferred on the Governor, though exercised
on the aid and advice of the State, is without any restriction of the
actual period of imprisonment undergone by the prisoner. Thus, C
if a prisoner has undergone more than 14 years of actual
imprisonment, the State Government, as an appropriate
Government, is competent to pass an order of premature release,
but if the prisoner has not undergone 14 years or more of actual
imprisonment, the Governor has a power to grant pardons,
D
reprieves, respites and remissions of punishment or to suspend,
remit or commute the sentence of any person de hors the
restrictions imposed under Section 433-A of the Constitution.
Such power is in exercise of the power of the sovereign, though
the Governor is bound to act on the aid and advice of the State
Government. [Para 17][341-E-H; 342-A-B] E
1.6 The policy of 12.04.2002 is applicable in the cases of
the prisoners who have undergone actual sentence of 14 years of
imprisonment and also the prisoners who have not completed 14
years of actual imprisonment. Therefore, the cases of the
prisoners who have completed 14 years of actual imprisonment F
can be decided by the State Government in terms of
Sections 432 and 433 of the Code unless the State Government
choses to seek the approval of the Hon’ble Governor. There is
nothing illegal or improper to seek approval of the Hon’ble
Governor in all cases but in the cases where the prisoner has not
undergone 14 years of actual imprisonment falling within scope G
of Section 433-A of the Code, it is for the Hon’ble Governor to
exercise the power conferred under Article 161 of the
Constitution, though on the aid and advice of the State
Government. Clause (b) of the policy dated 12.04.2002 provided
for the cases of the prisoners to be considered after completion H
324 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 8 S.C.R.
A of 10 years of actual sentence including undertrial period provided
the total period of such sentence including remission is not less
than 14 years. The remissions not contemplated by Section 433-
A of the Code, the power to remit or commute sentence can be
exercised by the Governor in exercise of the power conferred
under Article 161 of the Constitution. This explains the last line
B
in the policy that such cases would be put up before the Governor
with full background of the prisoner and recommendation of the
Committee including copy of the judgment for orders under
Article 161 of the Constitution. [Para 18][342-B-F]
1.7 The Notification dated 13.08.2008 published in exercise
C of the powers conferred upon an appropriate Government under
Section 432(5) of the Code, provides that the appropriate
Government may, by general rules or special orders, give
directions as to the suspension of sentences and the conditions
on which petitions should be presented and dealt with. Therefore,
D all the polices issued from time to time are under Section 432 of
the Code, though no reference is made to such provisions in any
of the policies except the last one dated 13.08.2008. The source
of power to frame guidelines or the policies for remission etc.
was earlier in Section 59(5) of the Prisons Act, 1894 and now in
terms of Section 432(5) of the Code. Therefore, such policies
E are statutory in nature, framed in exercise of power conferred
upon appropriate government under Section 432(5) of the Code.
[Para 19][342-F-H; 343-A]
1.8 The clause 2(c) of the policy dated 13.08.2008 deals
with the convicts who have been imprisoned for life having
F committed a crime which is defined in the Penal Code, 1860 as
punishable for life imprisonment but not with death sentence.
The cases of such prisoners can be considered after completion
of 10 years of actual sentence including undertrial period provided
the total period of such sentence including remission is not less
G than 14 years. The distinction is that in such cases, the remission
is taken into consideration whereas, the remissions earned by a
prisoner convicted for an offence under Section 302 IPC, an
offence punishable with death, cannot be considered for premature
release. If such a prisoner is to be considered for premature
H
THE STATE OF HARYANA & ORS v. RAJ KUMAR @ BITTU 325
release in the cases of life imprisonment for an offence under A
IPC, the bar under Section 433-A of the Code would not apply.
The judgment in Jagdish’case has to be read in the light of the
distinction drawn between the power exercised by the Hon’ble
Governor and the power to be exercised by the State Government.
[Para 20][343-B-D]
B
1.9 The directions issued by the High Court are not
sustainable for the reason that the policies have to be read
keeping in view the period of imprisonment undergone by a
prisoner. The power of remission is to be exercised by the State
Government, as an appropriate Government, if the prisoner has
undergone 14 years of actual imprisonment in the cases falling C
within the scope of Section 433-A of the Code and in case the
imprisonment is less than 14 years, the power of premature
release can be exercised by the Hon’ble Governor though on
the aid and advice of the State Government. The directions issued
by the Single Bench are set aside. [Para 21, 22][343-D-F] D
1.10 The prisoner has completed 12 years and 25 days as
on 06.07.2021 as per the custody certificate produced by the State.
The case for premature release of the prisoner in terms of the
policy of the State Government dated 13.08.2008, the policy which
was applicable on the date of his conviction, can be considered E
only after he completes 14 years of actual imprisonment. However,
the State Government can consider the prisoner in question for
premature release after undergoing imprisonment for less than
14 years only under Article 161 of the Constitution. [Para 23][343-
G-H; 344-A]
F
State of Haryana & Ors. v. Jagdish (2010) 4 SCC 216
: [2010] 3 SCR 716; Sadhu Singh & Ors. v. State of
Punjab (1984) 2 SCC 310 : [1984] 2 SCR 741; State
of Haryana v. Mahender Singh & Ors. (2007) 13 SCC
606 : [2007] 11 SCR 932; L. Hazari Mal Kuthiala v.
Income Tax Officer, Special Circle, Ambala Cantt. AIR G
1961 SC 200 : [1961] SCR 892; N. Mani v. Sangeetha
Theatre & Ors. (2004) 12 SCC 278; Maru Ram v. Union
of India & Ors. (1981) 1 SCC 107 : [1981] 1 SCR
H
326 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 8 S.C.R.
A 1196; Union of India v. V. Sriharan & Ors. (2016) 7
SCC 1 : [2015] 14 SCR 613; State of Haryana v.
Nauratta Singh & Ors. (2000) 3 SCC 514 : [2000] 2
SCR 246 – referred to.
Case Law Reference
B [2010] 3 SCR 716 referred to Paras 4, 5, 9, 14, 20
[1984] 2 SCR 741 referred to Para 5
[2007] 11 SCR 932 referred to Para 5
[1961] SCR 892 referred to Para 6
C
(2004) 12 SCC 278 referred to Para 7
[1981] 1 SCR 1196 referred to Para 9
[2015] 14 SCR 613 referred to Para 10
[2000] 2 SCR 246 referred to Para 12
D
CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION: Criminal Appeal
No.721 of 2021.
From the Judgment and Order dated 12.05.2020 of the High Court
of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh in CRWP No.2025 of 2019.
E With
Civil Appeal Nos.722 And 723 of 2021
Nikhil Goel, AAG, Ms. Naveen Goel, Vinay Mathew, Dr. Monika
Gusain, Rishi Malhotra, Advs. for the appearing parties.
F The Judgment of the Court was delivered by
HEMANT GUPTA, J.
1. The State and the writ petitioner before the High Court,1 are
aggrieved by an order passed by the learned Single Bench of the High
Court of Punjab & Haryana at Chandigarh on 12.5.2020 whereby the
G policies of the State Government to grant remission to the prisoners
were decided, inter alia, directing the State to consider the feasibility of
drafting a fresh policy particularly in respect of exercise of powers
conferred under Article 161 of the Constitution. It was also held that the
State may also consider the feasibility of having a policy with retrospective
1
H Hereinafter referred to as the ‘prisoner’
THE STATE OF HARYANA & ORS v. RAJ KUMAR @ BITTU 327
[HEMANT GUPTA, J.]
operation, provided the same does not lead to discrimination amongst A
substantial number of identically situated prisoners. The Court further
observed that till such time a decision is taken, the appropriate Government
can exercise its powers under Sections 432 and 433 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure, 19732 in terms of policy dated 13.8.2008, but while
strictly adhering to the restrictions imposed under Section 433-A of the
B
Code.
2. The learned Single Bench has referred to certain policies
circulated by the State Government. First policy referred to was circulated
on 23.4.1987 wherein the convicts on whom punishment of life
imprisonment is imposed on conviction of an offence for which death is
one of the punishments provided by law, or where the sentence of death C
imposed on a person had been commuted under Section 433 of the Code
on or after 18.12.78, would be considered by the State Government for
premature release after they have undergone 14 years of substantive
sentence. Thereafter, policies dated 28.9.1988, 19.11.1991, 8.8.2000 and
12.4.2002 were issued contemplating that case of premature release D
would be considered on individual basis after review by the State Level
Committee falling within the purview of Section 433 of the Code and
cases thereafter shall be put up to the Hon’ble Governor. However, the
policy dated 13.8.2008 did not contemplate that the individual cases will
have to be placed before the Hon’ble Governor.
E
3. The relevant provisions of the Constitution and the Code read
as thus:
Constitution of India
“Article 161 – Power of Governor to grant pardons etc., and to
suspend, remit or commute sentences in certain cases. - The F
Governor of a State shall have the power to grant pardons,
reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit
or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence
against any law relating to a matter to which the executive power
of the State extends. G
Code of Criminal Procedure 1973
432. Power to suspend or remit sentences. - (1) When any person
has been sentenced to punishment for an offence, the appropriate
2
For short, the ‘Code’
H
328 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 8 S.C.R.
A Government may, at any time, without conditions or upon any
conditions which the person sentenced accepts, suspend the
execution of his sentence or remit the whole or any part of the
punishment to which he has been sentenced.
(2) xxxx xxxx
B (5) The appropriate Government may, by general rules or special
orders, give directions as to the suspension of sentences and the
conditions on which petitions should be presented and dealt with:
Provided that in the case of any sentence (other than a
sentence of fine) passed on a male person above the age of
C eighteen years, no such petition by the person sentenced or by
any other person on his behalf shall be entertained, unless the
person sentenced is in jail, and—
(a) where such petition is made by the person sentenced, it is
presented through the officer in charge of the jail; or
D
(b) where such petition is made by any other person, it contains
a declaration that the person sentenced is in jail.
(6) xxxx xxxx
(7) In this section and in Section 433, the expression “appropriate
E Government” means—
(a) in cases where the sentence is for an offence against, or
the order referred to in sub-section (6) is passed under, any
law relating to a matter to which the executive power of the
Union extends, the Central Government;
F (b) in other cases, the Government of the State within which
the offender is sentenced or the said order is passed.
433. Power to commute sentence. - The appropriate
Government may, without the consent of the person sentenced,
commute—
G
(a) a sentence of death, for any other punishment provided by
the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860);
(b) a sentence of imprisonment for life, for imprisonment for a
term not exceeding fourteen years or for fine;
H
THE STATE OF HARYANA & ORS v. RAJ KUMAR @ BITTU 329
[HEMANT GUPTA, J.]
(c) a sentence of rigorous imprisonment, for simple A
imprisonment for any term to which that person might have
been sentenced, or for fine;
(d) a sentence of simple imprisonment, for fine.
433-A. Restriction on powers of remission or commutation in
certain cases. - Notwithstanding anything contained in B
Section 432, where a sentence of imprisonment for life is imposed
on conviction of a person for an offence for which death is one of
the punishments provided by law, or where a sentence of death
imposed on a person has been commuted under Section 433 into
one of imprisonment for life, such person shall not be released C
from prison unless he had served at least fourteen years of
imprisonment.”
4. The issue arising in the present appeals is regarding applicability
of policy dated 12.4.2002 or the policy dated 13.8.2008 to the prisoner
convicted on 25.3.2010. This Court in State of Haryana & Ors. v. D
Jagdish3 inter-alia held (para 52) that the policy dated 4.2.1993 refers
to the exercise of powers under Article 161 of the Constitution whereas
the policy dated 13.8.2008 is in exercise of the powers conferred under
Section 432 read with Sections 433 and 433-A of the Code. The said
policy is a rule of procedure, thus, subordinate to the Constitution. The
power exercised under Article 161 is a mandate of the Constitution, E
therefore, the policy dated 13.8.2008 cannot override the policy dated
4.2.1993. It is the said finding which is required to be examined in the
present appeals, though in the context of similar later policy dated
12.4.2002. The two polices are reproduced hereinbelow before the case
of premature release can be considered. The two polices in juxtaposition F
read as thus:
5. In Jagdish, this Court did not approve the judgment of this
Court in Sadhu Singh & Ors. v. State of Punjab4 wherein it was held
that these policies are executive instructions. Instead, this Court approved
the judgment of this Court reported as State of Haryana v. Mahender G
Singh & Ors.5 wherein it was held that these policies of remission are
in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 59(5) of the Prisons
Act, 1894, contemplating “for the award of marks and the shortening of
3
(2010) 4 SCC 216
4
(1984) 2 SCC 310
5
(2007) 13 SCC 606 H
330 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 8 S.C.R.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
THE STATE OF HARYANA & ORS v. RAJ KUMAR @ BITTU 331
[HEMANT GUPTA, J.]
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
332 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 8 S.C.R.
A sentences” and thus, they are statutory rules. Sections 401 and 402 of
the Code were not empowering the appropriate Government to issue
general or special orders and the conditions on which petitions for
premature release should be presented and dealt with. The Sections 432
and 433 of the Code had corresponding provisions in Sections 401 and
402 of the Code but sub-section (5) of Section 432 empowers an
B
appropriate Government to issue general or special orders. Therefore,
after the commencement of the Code on 1.4.1974, the power to issue
general or special orders allowing remissions is traceable to Section 432
of the Code. Hence, the policies issued thereafter are statutory in nature,
having being framed in exercise of powers conferred on appropriate
C Government under Section 432 of the Code.
6. None of the policies framed after 1974, except the one which
was published in the State Government Gazette on 13.8.2008, referred
to any provision of law under which such decisions have been
communicated to the Director General of Prisons. The Constitution Bench
D judgment of this Court reported as L. Hazari Mal Kuthiala v. Income
Tax Officer, Special Circle, Ambala Cantt.6 held that exercise of
powers will be referrable to a jurisdiction which confers validity upon it
and not to a jurisdiction under which it will be nugatory. This Court held
as under:
E “5. …The Commissioner, when he transferred this case, referred
not to the Patiala Income Tax Act, but to the Indian Income Tax
Act, and it is contended that if the Patiala Income Tax Act was in
force for purposes of reassessment, action should have been taken
under that Act and not the Indian Income Tax Act. This argument,
however, loses point, because the exercise of a power will be
F referable to a jurisdiction which confers validity upon it and not to
a jurisdiction under which it will be nugatory. This principle is
well-settled. See Pitamber Vajirshet v. Dhandu Navlapa [ILR
12 Bom 486, 489] .”
7. Such principle of law was reiterated in a three-Judge Bench
G judgment of this Court reported as N. Mani v. Sangeetha Theatre &
Ors.7 wherein it was held as under:
6
AIR 1961 SC 200
H 7
(2004) 12 SCC 278
THE STATE OF HARYANA & ORS v. RAJ KUMAR @ BITTU 333
[HEMANT GUPTA, J.]
“9. It is well settled that if an authority has a power under the law A
merely because while exercising that power the source of power
is not specifically referred to or a reference is made to a wrong
provision of law, that by itself does not vitiate the exercise of
power so long as the power does exist and can be traced to a
source available in law.”
B
8. Therefore, even if there is no specific reference to the statutory
power under which such policies have been issued or even if a wrong
provision is mentioned, the policy instructions would continue to be
statutory instructions framed either under the Prisons Act, 1894 or under
Section 432 of the Code.
C
9. In Maru Ram v. Union of India & Ors.8, a Constitution Bench
considering the scope of Article 161 of the Constitution and the provisions
of the Code held as under:
“54. …. The second plea, revolves round ‘pardon jurisprudence”,
if we may coarsely call it that way, enshrined impregnably in D
Articles 72 and 161 and the effect of Section 433-A thereon. The
power to remit is a constitutional power and any legislation must
fail which seeks to curtail its scope and emasculate its mechanics.
Thirdly, the exercise of this plenary power cannot be left to the
fancy, frolic or frown of government, State or Central, but must
embrace reason, relevance and reformation, as all public power E
in a republic must. On this basis, we will have to scrutinize and
screen the survival value of the various remission schemes and
short-sentencing projects, not to test their supremacy over Section
433-A, but to train the wide and beneficent power to remit life
sentence without the hardship of fourteen fettered years. F
xxx xxx xxx
57. We now move on to the second contention which deals with
the power of remission under the Constitution and the fruits of its
exercise vis-à-vis Section 433-A. Nobody has a case – indeed
can be heard to contend – that Article 72 and 161 must yield to G
Section 433-A…………………...
xxx xxx xxx
8
(1981) 1 SCC 107 H
334 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 8 S.C.R.
A 59. It is apparent that superficially viewed, the two powers, one
constitutional and the other statutory, are coextensive. But two
things may be similar but not the same. That is precisely the
difference. We cannot agree that the power which is the creature
of the Code can be equated with a high prerogative vested by the
Constitution in the highest functionaries of the Union and the States.
B
The source is different, the substance is different, the strength is
different, although the stream may be flowing along the same
bed. We see the two powers as far from being identical, and,
obviously, the constitutional power is ‘untouchable’ and
‘unapproachable’ and cannot suffer the vicissitudes of simple
C legislative processes. Therefore, Section 433-A cannot be
invalidated as indirectly violative of Articles 72 and 161. What the
Code gives, it can take, and so, an embargo on Sections 432 and
433(a) is within the legislative power of Parliament.
60. Even so, we must remember the constitutional status of Articles
D 72 and 161 and it is common ground that Section 433-A does not
stand and cannot affect even a wee bit the pardon power of the
Governor or the President. The necessary sequel to this logic is
that notwithstanding Section 433-A the President and the Governor
continue to exercise the power of commutation and release under
the aforesaid articles.
E
61. … The upshot is that the State Government, whether the
Governor likes it or not, can advice and act under Article 161, the
Governor being bound by that advice. The action of commutation
and release can thus be pursuant to a governmental decision and
the order may issue even without the Governor’s approval although,
F under the Rules of Business and as a matter of constitutional
courtesy, it is obligatory that the signature of the Governor should
authorise the pardon, commutation or release…………....The
Governor vis-à-vis his Cabinet is no higher than the President
save in a narrow area which does not include Article 161. The
G constitutional conclusion is that the Governor is but a shorthand
expression for the State Government and the President is an
abbreviation for the Central Government.
xxx xxx xxx
H
THE STATE OF HARYANA & ORS v. RAJ KUMAR @ BITTU 335
[HEMANT GUPTA, J.]
69. …. We have no hesitation to reject the notion that A
Articles 72/161 should remain uncanalised. We have to direct the
provisional acceptance of the remission and short-sentencing
schemes as good guide-lines for exercise of pardon power – a
jurisdiction meant to be used as often and as systematically as
possible and not to be abused, much as the temptation so to do
B
may press upon the pen of power.
70. The learned Solicitor-General is right that these Rules are
plainly made under the Prisons Act and not under the constitutional
power, the former fail under the pressure of Section 433-A. But
that, by no means, precludes the States from adopting as working
rules the same remission schemes which seem to us to be fairly C
reasonable. After all, the government cannot meticulously study
each prisoner and the present praxis of marks, until a more
advanced and expertly advised scheme is evolved, may work.
Section 433-A cannot forbid this method because it is immunized
by Article 161. We strongly suggest that, without break, the same D
rules and schemes of remission be continued as a transmigration
of soul into Article 161, as it were, and benefits extended to all
who fall within their benign orbit – save, of course, in special
cases which may require other relevant consideration. The wide
power of executive clemency cannot be bound down even by
self-created rules. E
xxx xxx xxx
72. We conclude by formulating our findings:
(1) xxx xxx
F
(2) We affirm the current supremacy of Section 433-A over the
Remission Rules and short-sentencing statutes made by the
various States.
(3) xxx xxx
(4) We hold that Section 432 and Section 433 are not a G
manifestation of Articles 72 and 161 of the Constitution but a
separate, though similar power, and Section 433-A, by nullifying
wholly or partially these prior provisions does not violate or
detract from the full operation of the constitutional power to
pardon, commute and the like.
H
336 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 8 S.C.R.
A (5) xxx xxx
(6) We follow Godse case to hold that imprisonment for life lasts
until the last breath, and whatever the length of remissions
earned, the prisoner can claim release only if the remaining
sentence is remitted by government.
B (7) xxx xxx
(8) The power under Articles 72 and 161 of the Constitution can
be exercised by the Central and State Governments, not by
the President or Governor on their own. The advice of the
appropriate Government binds the Head of the State. No
C separate order for each individual case is necessary but any
general order made must be clear enough to identify the group
of cases and indicate the application of mind to the whole
group.
(9) xxx xxx
D
(10) Although the remission rules or short-sentencing provisions
proprio vigore may not apply as against Section 433-A, they
will override Section 433-A if the government, Central or State,
guides itself by the self-same rules or schemes in the exercise
of its constitutional power. We regard it as fair that until fresh
E rules are made in keeping with experience gathered, current
social conditions and accepted penological thinking – a
desirable step, in our view – the present remission and release
schemes may usefully be taken as guide-lines under
Articles 72/161 and orders for release passed. We cannot fault
F the government, if in some intractably savage delinquents,
Section 433-A is itself treated as a guide-line for exercise of
Articles 72/161. These observations of ours are
recommendatory to avoid a hiatus, but it is for Government,
Central or State, to decide whether and why the current
Remission Rules should not survive until replaced by a more
G wholesome scheme.
(11) The U.P. Prisoners’ Release on Probation Act, 1938, enabling
limited enlargement under licence will be effective as
legislatively sanctioned imprisonment of a loose and liberal
type and such licensed enlargement will be reckoned for the
H
THE STATE OF HARYANA & ORS v. RAJ KUMAR @ BITTU 337
[HEMANT GUPTA, J.]
purpose of the 14-year duration. Similar other statutes and A
rules will enjoy similar efficacy.
xxx xxx”
10. The Constitution Bench in Union of India v. V. Sriharan &
9
Ors. inter alia examined the provisions of Articles 161 and 162 of the
Constitution. It was held as under: B
“22. Therefore, the resultant position would be that the Executive
Power of the Union and its authorities in relation to grant of
remission, commutation, etc. are available and can be exercised
by virtue of the implication of Article 73(1)(a) read along with its
proviso and the exercise of such power by the State would be C
controlled and limited as stipulated in the proviso to Article 162 to
the extent to which such control and limitations are prescribed in
the Criminal Procedure Code.”
11. Thus, the power under Article 161 of the Constitution can be
exercised by the State Governments, not by the Governor on his own. D
The advice of the appropriate Government binds the Head of the State.
No separate order for each individual case is necessary but any general
order made must be clear enough to identify the group of cases and
indicate the application of mind to the whole group. Therefore, the policies
of the State Government are composite policies encompassing both E
situations under Article 161 of the Constitution and Sections 432, 433
and 433-A of the Code. The remission under Article 161 of the
Constitution will override Section 433-A of the Code, if the State
Government decides to be governed of its constitutional power.
12. In State of Haryana v. Nauratta Singh & Ors.10, this Court F
referred to Maru Ram’s case holding that period of 14 years as specified
in Section 433-A of the Code is the actual period of imprisonment
undergone by the prisoner without including any period of remission.
This Court was examining the case where the accused was acquitted
by the trial court but was convicted by the High Court. He was on bail
during the pendency of the appeal before the High Court. The claim of G
the prisoner was that the period of bail in terms of the order of the High
Court has to be included in the period of 14 years of imprisonment. The
Court held as under:
9
(2016) 7 SCC 1
10
(2000) 3 SCC 514 H
338 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 8 S.C.R.
A “5. We may point out that Section 433-A of the Code was
introduced in the statute-book on 8-12-1978 by which the power
of a State Government to release a person (who has been
convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment of any offence
punishable with death or imprisonment for life) has been curtailed
by introducing the rider that such convicted person should have
B
served at least 14 years of imprisonment. A Constitutional Bench
of this Court has held in Maru Ram v. Union of India that the
period of 14 years envisaged in the new provision is the actual
period of imprisonment undergone by the prisoner without including
any period of remission.”
C 9. In Jagdish, the question raised was as to whether the policy
which makes a provision for remission of sentence should be the one
which was existing on the date of the conviction of the accused or the
one which existed on the date of consideration of his case for premature
release by the appropriate authority. The Court held that the amendment
D inserting Section 433-A in the Code would apply prospectively. The life
convicts who had been sentenced prior to 18.12.1978 i.e., date of
enforcement of amendment would not come within the purview of the
provisions of Section 433-A of the Code. The remission rules/short-
sentencing policies could be taken as guidelines for exercise of powers
under Article 72 or 161 of the Constitution and in such an eventuality,
E remission rules would override Section 433-A of the Code. This Court
held that Section 433-A of the Code cannot and does not in any way
affect the constitutional power conferred on the President/Governor under
Articles 72/161 of the Constitution. It was held as under:
“26. This Court in Ashok Kumar [(1991) 3 SCC 498 : 1991 SCC
F (Cri) 845 : AIR 1991 SC 1792] considered the matter elaborately
taking into consideration a large number of its earlier judgments
including Maru Ram [(1981) 1 SCC 107 : 1981 SCC (Cri) 112]
, Bhagirath v. Delhi Admn. [(1985) 2 SCC 580 : 1985 SCC (Cri)
280 : AIR 1985 SC 1050] ; Kehar Singh v. Union of India [(1989)
G 1 SCC 204 : 1989 SCC (Cri) 86 : AIR 1989 SC 653] and came to
the following conclusions:
(i) Section 433-A CrPC denied premature release before
completion of actual 14 years of incarceration to only those
limited convicts convicted of a capital offence i.e. exceptionally
H heinous crime;
THE STATE OF HARYANA & ORS v. RAJ KUMAR @ BITTU 339
[HEMANT GUPTA, J.]
(ii) Section 433-A CrPC cannot and does not in any way affect A
the constitutional power conferred on the President/Governor
under Articles 72/161 of the Constitution;
(iii) Remission Rules have a limited scope and in case of a
convict undergoing sentence for life imprisonment, it acquires
significance only if the sentence is commuted or remitted B
subject to Section 433-A CrPC or in exercise of constitutional
power under Article 72/161 of the Constitution; and
(iv) Case of a convict can be considered under Articles 72 and
161 of the Constitution treating the 1958 Rules.
xx xx xx C
28. Nevertheless, we may point out that the power of the sovereign
to grant remission is within its exclusive domain and it is for this
reason that our Constitution makers went on to incorporate the
provisions of Article 72 and Article 161 of the Constitution of
India. This responsibility was cast upon the executive through a D
constitutional mandate to ensure that some public purpose may
require fulfilment by grant of remission in appropriate cases. This
power was never intended to be used or utilised by the executive
as an unbridled power of reprieve. Power of clemency is to be
exercised cautiously and in appropriate cases, which in effect, E
mitigates the sentence of punishment awarded and which does
not, in any way, wipe out the conviction. It is a power which the
sovereign exercises against its own judicial mandate. The act of
remission of the State does not undo what has been done judicially.
The punishment awarded through a judgment is not overruled but
the convict gets benefit of a liberalised policy of State pardon. F
However, the exercise of such power under Article 161 of the
Constitution or under Section 433-A CrPC may have a different
flavour in the statutory provisions, as short-sentencing policy brings
about a mere reduction in the period of imprisonment whereas an
act of clemency under Article 161 of the Constitution commutes G
the sentence itself. as guidelines.”
13. Thus, a prisoner has to undergo a minimum period of
imprisonment of 14 years without remission in the case of an offence,
the conviction of which carries death sentence, to take benefit of policy
of remission framed by an appropriate government under Section 432 of
H
340 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 8 S.C.R.
A the Code in view of the overriding provision of Section 433-A of the
Code. However, the power of the Hon’ble Governor to commute sentence
or to pardon is independent of any such restriction or limitation. The
State Government can frame a policy of grant of remissions either under
Section 432 of the Code or under Article 161 of the Constitution. The
Governor continues to exercise the power of commutation and release
B
under Article 161 of the Constitution, notwithstanding Section 433-A of
the Code. The action of commutation and release can thus be pursuant
to a governmental decision and the order may be issued even without
the Governor’s approval. However, under the Rules of Business and as
a matter of constitutional courtesy, it may seek approval of the Governor,
C if such release is under Article 161 of the Constitution.
14. Still further, it is the consistent view of this Court that the
policy prevalent at the time of conviction shall be taken into consideration
for considering the premature release of a prisoner. In Jagdish, while
determining the policy which would be applicable for the remission of
D sentence, this Court held as under:
“27. In Mahender Singh, this Court as referred to hereinabove
held that the policy decision applicable in such cases would be
which was prevailing at the time of his conviction. This conclusion
was arrived on the following ground: (SCC p. 619, para 38)
E 38. A right to be considered for remission, keeping in view the
constitutional safeguards of a convict under Articles 20 and 21
of the Constitution of India, must be held to be a legal one.
Such a legal right emanates from not only the Prisons Act but
also from the Rules framed thereunder.”
F 15. The policy of premature release dated 13.8.2008 was issued
in the name of the Governor and was published in the official Gazette.
Such notification is said to have been issued in exercise of the powers
conferred under sub-section (1) of Sections 432 and 433 of the Code.
Keeping in view the principles of law enunciated above, such policy is in
G exercise of the powers conferred on the appropriate Government in
terms of the provisions of the Code and is thus statutory in nature. The
other policy dated 12.4.2002 is in fact a memo issued by the Financial
Commissioner and Secretary to Government, Haryana, Jails Department,
Chandigarh to the Director General of Prisons, Haryana, Chandigarh.
Such policy of premature release would again be traceable to the
H provisions of the Code.
THE STATE OF HARYANA & ORS v. RAJ KUMAR @ BITTU 341
[HEMANT GUPTA, J.]
16. Mr. Nikhil Goel, learned Additional Advocate General for the A
State of Haryana, submitted that different policies have been issued
from time to time and the later policy has superseded the earlier one, so
there was no hiatus when a policy of premature release was not in
operation or at any given point of time, the two polices were operational.
The argument of Mr. Goel merit acceptance inasmuch as the policy
B
dated 12.4.2002 is in supersession of earlier policy circulated on 8.8.2000
substituted later on 23.2.2001. The policy dated 13.8.2008 has substituted
the earlier policy dated 12.4.2002 and such policy has been published on
behalf of the Governor of the State. The policy dated 13.8.2008 has
been issued in exercise of powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section
432 read with Section 433 of the Code and in supersession of Government C
Memorandum dated 12.4.2002 and all other policies. The policy dated
13.8.2008 is a statutory policy. The said policy cannot and has not tried
to take over the discretion vested in the Hon’ble Governor to grant
pardons, remissions or commute sentence in exercise of powers
conferred under Article 161 of the Constitution but it is the policy issued
D
under a Statute and therefore, such policy has a statutory force. The
policy dated 12.4.2002 is again a statutory policy and cannot be put at a
higher pedestal than the policy dated 13.8.2008 for the reason that it
seeks approval from the Hon’ble Governor. Such policy has been
specifically superseded on 13.8.2008, ceases to be operative for the
convicts who are convicted after 13.8.2008. E
17. Section 433-A of the Code starts with a non-obstante clause
restricting the right of the appropriate Government, to suspend the
sentence of imprisonment for life imposed on conviction of a person for
an offence for which death is one of the punishments provided by law,
that such person shall not be released from prison unless he has served F
at least 14 years of imprisonment. Therefore, the power of the appropriate
Government to release a prisoner after serving 14 years of actual
imprisonment is vested with the State Government. On the other hand,
the power conferred on the Governor, though exercised on the aid and
advice of the State, is without any restriction of the actual period of
imprisonment undergone by the prisoner. Thus, if a prisoner has undergone G
more than 14 years of actual imprisonment, the State Government, as an
appropriate Government, is competent to pass an order of premature
release, but if the prisoner has not undergone 14 years or more of actual
imprisonment, the Governor has a power to grant pardons, reprieves,
respites and remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute H
342 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 8 S.C.R.
A the sentence of any person de hors the restrictions imposed under Section
433-A of the Constitution. Such power is in exercise of the power of the
sovereign, though the Governor is bound to act on the aid and advice of
the State Government.
18. The policy of 12.4.2002 is applicable in the cases of the prisoners
B who have undergone actual sentence of 14 years of imprisonment and
also the prisoners who have not completed 14 years of actual
imprisonment. Therefore, the cases of the prisoners who have completed
14 years of actual imprisonment can be decided by the State Government
in terms of Sections 432 and 433 of the Code unless the State Government
choses to seek the approval of the Hon’ble Governor. There is nothing
C illegal or improper to seek approval of the Hon’ble Governor in all cases
but in the cases where the prisoner has not undergone 14 years of actual
imprisonment falling within scope of Section 433-A of the Code, it is for
the Hon’ble Governor to exercise the power conferred under Article
161 of the Constitution, though on the aid and advice of the State
D Government. We find that clause (b) of the policy dated 12.4.2002
provided for the cases of the prisoners to be considered after completion
of 10 years of actual sentence including undertrial period provided the
total period of such sentence including remission is not less than 14 years.
The remissions not contemplated by Section 433-A of the Code, the
power to remit or commute sentence can be exercised by the Governor
E in exercise of the power conferred under Article 161 of the Constitution.
This explains the last line in the policy that such cases will be put up
before the Governor with full background of the prisoner and
recommendation of the Committee including copy of the judgment for
orders under Article 161 of the Constitution.
F 19. The Notification dated 13.8.2008 published in exercise of the
powers conferred upon an appropriate Government under Section 432(5)
of the Code, provides that the appropriate Government may, by general
rules or special orders, give directions as to the suspension of sentences
and the conditions on which petitions should be presented and dealt with.
G Therefore, all the polices issued from time to time are under Section 432
of the Code, though no reference is made to such provisions in any of
the policies except the last one dated 13.8.2008. The source of power to
frame guidelines or the policies for remission etc. was earlier in
Section 59(5) of the Prisons Act, 1894 and now in terms of Section
H
THE STATE OF HARYANA & ORS v. RAJ KUMAR @ BITTU 343
[HEMANT GUPTA, J.]
432(5) of the Code. Therefore, such policies are statutory in nature, A
framed in exercise of power conferred upon appropriate government
under Section 432(5) of the Code.
20. The clause 2(c) of the policy dated 13.8.2008 deals with the
convicts who have been imprisoned for life having committed a crime
which is defined in the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC) as punishable for B
life imprisonment but not with death sentence. The cases of such prisoners
can be considered after completion of 10 years of actual sentence
including undertrial period provided the total period of such sentence
including remission is not less than 14 years. The distinction is that in
such cases, the remission is taken into consideration whereas, the
remissions earned by a prisoner convicted for an offence under Section C
302 IPC, an offence punishable with death, cannot be considered for
premature release. If such a prisoner is to be considered for premature
release in the cases of life imprisonment for an offence under IPC, the
bar under Section 433-A of the Code would not apply. The judgment in
Jagdish has to be read in the light of the distinction which we have D
drawn between the power exercised by the Hon’ble Governor and the
power to be exercised by the State Government.
21. Therefore, we find that the directions issued by the High Court
are not sustainable for the reason that the policies have to be read keeping
in view the period of imprisonment undergone by a prisoner. The power E
of remission is to be exercised by the State Government, as an appropriate
Government, if the prisoner has undergone 14 years of actual
imprisonment in the cases falling within the scope of Section 433-A of
the Code and in case the imprisonment is less than 14 years, the power
of premature release can be exercised by the Hon’ble Governor though
on the aid and advice of the State Government. F
22. Consequently, the directions issued by the learned Single Bench
are not sustainable and are hereby set aside.
23. The prisoner herein has completed 12 years and 25 days as
on 6.7.2021 as per the custody certificate produced by the State. The G
case for premature release of the prisoner in terms of the policy of the
State Government dated 13.8.2008, the policy which was applicable on
the date of his conviction, can be considered only after he completes 14
years of actual imprisonment. However, the State Government can
consider the prisoner in question for premature release after undergoing
H
344 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2021] 8 S.C.R.
A imprisonment for less than 14 years only under Article 161 of the
Constitution.
24. The appeals are disposed of accordingly.
B Nidhi Jain Appeals disposed of.
C
D
E
F
G
H
Search Indian case law
Ask in plain English, not just keywords. 25,000 AI words free, no card.
Try "remission"Sign in to search