DALBIR SINGH & ORS. vs STATE OF PUNJAB

The Supreme Court held that the imposition of the death penalty under Section 302 IPC requires the court to record 'special reasons' for awarding such an extreme penalty, emphasizing that the nature of the crime is not the sole determinant of punishment. The Court interpreted the fundamental right to life under Article 21, asserting that judicial discretion must consider legislative alternatives to capital punishment. The appeal was allowed, and the death sentence was set aside, reflecting a shift towards a more humane interpretation of penal laws.