T.V. VATHEESWARAN vs STATE OF TAMIL NADU

The Supreme Court held that prolonged detention awaiting execution of a death sentence, exceeding two years, violates the guarantee of fair procedure under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The Court emphasized that the right to a speedy trial is implicit in the right to a fair trial, which is part of the right to life and liberty. Consequently, the Court converted the death sentence to life imprisonment, recognizing that such prolonged detention is unjust, unfair, and unreasonable, thus quashing the death sentence.