BALWANT SINGH vs STATE OF PUNJAB

The Supreme Court upheld the conviction of Balwant Singh under Section 302 IPC for the murder of Mohan Singh, confirming the death sentence imposed by the Trial Court and upheld by the High Court. The Court noted that the imposition of the death penalty must be justified under Section 354(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, and emphasized the need for a careful consideration of circumstances before awarding such a sentence. The Court ultimately found that the High Court's reliance on outdated precedents was inappropriate, but affirmed the death sentence based on the gravity of the crime.