Library/BNSS/Section 456
Section 456PopularProcedural

Commutation of sentence of death on pregnant woman

Full Text

If a woman sentenced to death is found to be pregnant, the High Court shall commute the sentence to imprisonment for life.

Plain English Summary

Mandates the High Court to commute a death sentence to life imprisonment if the convict is found to be pregnant.

Key Legal Elements

  • Death sentence awarded
  • Convict found pregnant
  • Mandatory commutation to life imprisonment

Punishment

Commutation to imprisonment for life

Practical Note

An absolute humanitarian provision; the court has no discretion once pregnancy is confirmed—the sentence must be commuted.

हिंदी पाठ

यदि वह स्त्री, जिसे मृत्यु दंडादेश दिया गया है, गर्भवती पाई जाती है, तो उच्च न्यायालय दंडादेश को आजीवन कारावास में लघुकृत कर देगा।