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

विधेयक प्रस्तुत करने का अधिकार संसद के किस सदन के सदस्यों को है?

किस अनुच्छेद के तहत नागरिकों को वर्गीय भेदभाव से सुरक्षा मिलती है?

राज्यों के बीच मतभेदों का समाधान किस प्रावधान के तहत किया जाता है?

What is the maximum number of members in the Legislative Assembly of a state?

लोकसभा का कार्यकाल कितने वर्षों का होता है?

In India, the power to declare war and peace is vested in which of the following?

Which of the following is a Directive Principle of State Policy in India?

भारतीय सर्वोच्च न्यायालय का गठन किस आधार पर हुआ?

Who is considered the "father of the Indian Constitution"?

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