31 mercy petitions accepted by President in 30 years
24 Feb, 2012
A reply to RTI application from the Rashtrapati Bhavan has revealed that since 1981, a total of 91 convicts sought commutation of their death sentences to life imprisonment through clemency petition to the President. Out of these, 31 petitions were accepted by the President. The current President Pratibha Patil has accepted 23 mercy petitions so far while 18 mercy petitions are still pending before her. The last petition accepted by her on 9th Feb. pertains to that of Mr. Sushil Murmu who was convicted for giving 'bali' (sacrifice) of a nine year-old-boy in Jharkhand for his own prosperity.