Nirbhaya case: govt. seeks nod for executions

03/02/2020, STAFF REPORTER,NEW DELHI

The Centre on Sunday sought to remove the stay on the execution of the four convicts in the December 16, 2012 Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case, asserting that the credibility of the judiciary and its ability to execute death sentences were at stake.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Home Ministry, argued that the convicts were moving the court one after another with one of them, Pawan Kumar Gupta, yet to file his curative petition.

Mr. Mehta argued there was “a deliberate, calculated, well-thought-out design to frustrate the mandate of the law”.

Senior advocate Rebecca John, appearing for convict Mukesh Kumar Singh, however, objected to the plea. “As of today, there is no definitive law which permits what the Centre is seeking ... singling out execution,” she said.