Overview

• The bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta made the remark while hearing a 2017 PIL that challenges hanging and urges less painful options.
• The Union told the court that offering death‑row prisoners a choice of lethal injection may not be feasible and framed any change as an executive policy decision.
• Petitioner Rishi Malhotra asked that Section 354(5) CrPC be struck down and that a right to a dignified procedure of death under Article 21 be recognised.
• The court noted earlier assurances that an expert committee was under consideration, and the Centre’s counsel said instructions would be sought on its status.
• In past filings, the government defended hanging as quick and simple and warned that methods like lethal injection or firing could be equally or more inhumane if mishandled.