This refers to the editorial, “Bold, welcome verdict” (May 6). Generally, courts are extremely lenient in awarding the ultimate sentence because it is incumbent upon them to weigh the aggravating circumstances of the crime with the mitigating circumstances, which are often used as handy tools by the defence lawyers to reduce the severity of the charges.
In Nirbhaya’s case, the Supreme Court rightly rejected the mitigating reasons offered by the defence counsels and concluded that the aggravating nature of the crime outweighed mitigating factors. Nirbhaya’s case has been a trendsetter in the Indian criminal justice system with a plethora of amendments to criminal laws. A great uprising among the society and a proactive media, made sure there was no laxity in investigation and presentation of the case before the court. By all accounts, the lawyers of the four accused will file a curative petition if their review petition cuts no ice with the court. The presidential mercy petition must be disposed off fast to down the curtains on the case.