JUSTICE ON TRIAL TRUST vs UNION OF INDIA — W.P.(Crl.) No. 86/2011

Case Summary: W.P.(Crl.) No. 000086/2011 - Justice on Trial Trust v. Union of India Outcome The Supreme Court of India dismissed the writ petitions filed by petitioner Devender Pal Singh Bhullar challenging the President's rejection of his mercy petition under Article 72 of the Constitution. The Court held that an 8-year delay in disposing of the mercy petition, standing alone, does not justify commutation of a death sentence, particularly in TADA (terrorism) cases involving heinous crimes. Key Facts Bhullar was convicted for terrorist attacks under TADA, including the 1993 blast that killed 9 innocent persons and injured 17 others. After his death sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2002, he submitted a mercy petition in January 2003. Despite representations from international governments and organizations, the petition remained pending until May 2011, when the President rejected it. Court's Key Directions - The President's decision to reject the mercy petition cannot be judicially reviewed merely on grounds of delay - Delay in disposal of mercy petitions should not automatically render death sentences commutable - In terrorism cases, courts must consider the heinous nature of crimes, not just procedural delays - The Government should dispose of mercy petitions within reasonable timeframes to avoid prolonged mental suffering of condemned prisoners This case analysis is maintained by casestatus.in based on publicly available court records.