Supreme Court Upholds Hanging as a Valid Method of Execution

On 18th August 2026, the Supreme Court, in a landmark ruling, upheld hanging as a constitutionally permissible method of executing the death penalty, rejecting a challenge seeking its replacement with alternative methods.

  • The Court declined to reconsider its earlier position in Deena v. Union of India (1983).

Why Was Hanging Challenged?

  • Article 21 and Human Dignity: The petitioners argued that the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 includes the right to a humane and dignified manner of execution.
  • Possibility of Excessive Suffering: Concerns were raised over whether hanging necessarily causes immediate unconsciousness and death.
  • Scientific Uncertainty: The effectiveness of the ....
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