The Ministry of Home Affairs recommended the President to reject the mercy plea of one of the four rapists, Vinay Sharma, convicted in December 16, 2012 gang-rape and murder case.
Parents of Nirbhaya have also moved the President’s office seeking rejection of the mercy petition. The letter states that this mercy petition is a deliberate attempt to avoid the execution of death sentence and hamper the dissemination of justice.
The move came 2 days after Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal rejected the mercy plea and sent it to the Home Ministry. The file has been forwarded to the President for a final decision.
The mercy plea was received by President Ram Nath Kovind on a day, when he said, “Women safety is a serious issue. Rape convicts under POCSO Act should not have right to file mercy petition. Parliament should review mercy petitions.”