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SSC CGL 2023 PYQ — Question 27

SSC CGL - 27 July 2023 - Shift 3 • General Awareness • Q27

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In India Who among the following has the power to pardon, reprieve or commute the punishment of any criminal?

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Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer is option 3 i.e. President.

  • In India, the President has the authority to pardon, delay, or lessen the severity of criminal sentences, as outlined in Article 72 of the Constitution.
  • The President can exercise this power on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers. This includes the ability to:
  1. Pardon: Completely forgive and release a person from the legal consequences of their crime.
  2. Reprieve: Temporarily delay the punishment, often to allow time for a new trial or for other considerations.
  3. Commutation: Reduce the severity of a punishment without completely removing it, such as changing a death sentence to life imprisonment
  • Article 161 allows the Governor to exercise these powers in relation to offenses against state laws, similar to the President's powers for central offenses under Article 72.