Ahead to demitting office, president Pratibha Patil has commuted the death sentences of 35 convicts. Most of these are convicted of mass murder, kidnapping, rape and killing of children, some of the most heinous crimes. Our courts are very careful in awarding death penalty which is given only in the "rarest of the rare cases". A mercy petition is filed after the entire judicial process is completed and the death penalty is confirmed by the apex court.

Our constitution mandates that the president acts on the advice of the council of ministers. Therefore, the president's action reflects thinking of the government of the day. Since death penalty has not been abolished, does the mercy granted amount to dilute existing legal provision through the backdoor?