Topic Details (Notes format)

Pardoning Power of the President (Article 72)

Subject: Polity

Book: Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth

Allows the President to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remission of punishments, especially in death sentence cases or offenses under union jurisdiction. This prerogative upholds humanitarian considerations and correctional justice. Though exercised on the Council of Ministers’ advice, controversies arise when mercy petitions face political influence or indefinite delays. Judicial review is limited to checking procedural arbitrariness, not the mercy’s merits. Similarly, Governors hold pardoning powers for state offenses (Article 161). This constitutional device ensures scope for compassion in the justice system, balancing deterrence with mercy and acknowledging that rigid application of law may sometimes require humane intervention.

Practice Questions

न्यायिक समीक्षा का सिद्धांत किसके द्वारा समर्थित है?

अनुच्छेद 370 किस राज्य को विशेष दर्जा प्रदान करता था?

संविधान सभा के सदस्यों का चुनाव किस प्रकार से हुआ था?

What is the minimum age required to become the President of India?

What is the term of office for the Vice President of India?

Which of the following is a Fundamental Duty under the Indian Constitution?

Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India?

राष्ट्रपति के आदेशों को निरस्त करने का अधिकार किसके पास है?

संविधान सभा की अंतिम बैठक किस वर्ष हुई थी?

Which article of the Indian Constitution mentions the procedure for amendment?