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BEFORE
THE HON’BLE SUPREME COURT OF INDIYANA
WRIT JURISDICTION
UNDER ART. 32 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA
INDRAYANI N.G.O...............PETITIONERS
STATE OF GUJRANA............RESPONDENTS
Table of Contents
1. LIST OF ABBREVATIONS 02
2. INDEX OF AUTHORITIES 03
3. STATEMENT OF JURISDICTION 04
4. STATEMENT OF FACTS 05
5. STATEMENT OF ISSUES 07
6. SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT 08
7. ARGUMENTS ADVANCED 10
8. PRAYER 27
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CHHATRAPATI SHRI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ FIFTH STATE LEVEL MOOT COURT COMPETITION
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
HC High Court
Govt Government
Ors. Others
Hon’ble Honourable
Art Article
SCC Supreme Court Case
No. Number
UOI Union of India
v. Versus
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LIST OF AUTHORITIES
1. STATUTES
2. CASES
3. WEBSITE
1. www.aironline.com
2. www.scconline.com
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STATEMENT OF JURISDICTION
The ‘Petitioner’ submits this to the jurisdiction of this Hon’ble Supreme Court of
Indriyani under
(1) The right to move the Supreme Court by appropriate proceedings for the
enforcement of the rights conferred by this Part is guaranteed
(2) The Supreme Court shall have power to issue directions or orders or writs,
including writs in the nature of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo
warranto and certiorari, whichever may be appropriate, for the enforcement of any
of the rights conferred by this Part
(3) Without prejudice to the powers conferred on the Supreme Court by clause ( 1 )
and ( 2), Parliament may by law empower any other court to exercise within the
local limits of its jurisdiction all or any of the powers exercisable by the Supreme
Court under clause ( 2 )
(4) The right guaranteed by this article shall not be suspended except as otherwise
provided for by this Constitution.
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In 2002, violent riots broke out in Gujrana following the burning of the
Sabarmati Express Train, resulting in the reported deaths of over 1000
individuals.
Sharifa Bano, along with her family, including her three-year-old daughter
Saniya, fled their village of Dharampur to escape the violence spreading in
Gaya.
On March 3, 2002, while fleeing, Sharifa Bano's family was attacked by a
group of 20-30 individuals armed with weapons such as stickles, swords,
and sticks in Rampur village near Adilabad.
During the attack, Sharifa Bano, who was 21 years old and five months
pregnant at the time, was among three women brutally gang-raped by the
assailants. Additionally, her three-year-old daughter, Saniya, was killed as
her head was smashed.
Seven members of Sharifa Bano's family were found dead, while six were
reported missing. Only Sharifa Bano and a two-year-old child survived the
vicious assault.
Sharifa Bano, nearly naked, managed to reach the local Police Station in
Limbgaon to register the case. However, the FIR failed to mention her rape,
and despite her identification of 12 assailants, they were not named in the
report.
Due to death threats against Sharifa Bano, the trial was relocated from
Gujrana to Mahadesham. The charge sheet was filed against 20 individuals,
including six police officers and two government doctors.
The trial lasted six years in the Special Court of CBI Mumbra, culminating
in the conviction of 11 accused individuals, including a Head Constable, for
gang rape and murder. The court also found six individuals not guilty due to
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ISSUES RAISED
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SUMMARY OF ARGUMENTS
The writ petition filed under Article 32 of the Indian Constitution by Indrayani N.G.O seeks
to uphold fundamental rights, particularly those of Sharifa Bano, who suffered injustices. It
challenges the grant of remission by the state government, which can be reviewed by the
Supreme Court. The petition argues that the grant of remission violates fundamental legal
principles and constitutional provisions, warranting a writ of certiorari. The petition asserts
that Article 32 allows direct recourse to the Supreme Court when fundamental rights are
violated. Moreover, it cites legal precedents and principles, including Public Interest
Litigation, to justify the third-party involvement of Indrayani N.G.O. The petition argues
that the N.G.O.'s action is grounded in the duty to promote harmony, brotherhood, and the
rule of law, making it maintainable. Overall, the petition seeks to rectify an arbitrary
decision and uphold the rule of law in the interest of justice and public welfare.
2. Whether the decision of the Gujrana Government is legal and correct in view of
law ?
The legality of remission orders by the Gujrana Government is analyzed through the
interpretation of "appropriate Government" in Section 432 of the Criminal Procedure Code
(CrPC). It is argued that the government of the state where the offender was sentenced holds
jurisdiction over remission decisions, regardless of the location of the crime or
imprisonment. Citing legal precedents such as Ratan Singh, Hanumant Dass, M.T. Khan,
and V. Sriharan, it is established that the state of sentencing is the appropriate government
for considering remission. Therefore, the State of Mumbara, where the offenders were
sentenced, holds authority to entertain remission applications. Consequently, remission
orders issued by the State of Gujrana lack jurisdiction and are deemed legally void,
necessitating their cancellation.
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3. Whether the decision given by Gujrana Government violates the spirit and context
of the provision of Sect.432 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973?
Section 432(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, grants the "appropriate
Government" the authority to suspend or remit sentences without conditions or upon the
acceptance of the sentenced person. This term refers to the state government where the
offender was sentenced, as clarified in subsection (7). Irrelevant factors such as the location
of the crime or imprisonment do not affect this determination. Relying on legal precedents
like State of M.P. vs. Ratan Singh and Government of A.P. vs. M.T. Khan, it is established
that the state of sentencing holds jurisdiction over remission decisions. Therefore, the State
of Mumbara has the authority to consider remission applications for the accused, not the
State of Gujrana. Additionally, any remission policy of Gujrana is inapplicable, as the State
of Maharashtra's policy governs the situation. Furthermore, under CrPC section 432(2), the
opinion of the presiding judge must be sought before granting remission, which was not
done in this case. Consequently, the Gujarat Government's remission orders violate legal
principles and should be invalidated. The matter should be referred to the appropriate
authority in Maharashtra for reconsideration.
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ARGUMENTS ADVANCED
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1
MANU/SC/4440/2006
2
(2000) 5 SCC 170
3
, (2009) 12 SCC 748
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grounds. This review is crucial to ensure the proper exercise of authority and to
prevent any misuse or arbitrary actions by the Governor. The Court holds the
authority to intervene if it finds that the Governor has acted independently,
without the advice of the Government, or has overstepped their jurisdiction.
Moreover, if the decision lacks proper consideration, is driven by malice, or
influenced by extraneous factors, the Court is justified in interfering with the
Governor's order. This principle underscores the importance of upholding the rule
of law and ensuring the accountability of governmental powers. Similarly, in the
context of IPC provisions related to remissions, the courts maintain the authority
to review decisions regarding sentence reductions. If the remission is granted
unlawfully, exceeds legal boundaries, or is influenced by improper motives, the
courts can intervene to safeguard the integrity of the legal system. Thus, both
instances emphasize the necessity of judicial oversight to uphold justice, fairness,
and the principles enshrined in the Constitution.
1.8 It is most respectfully submitted on behalf of the Petitioner that based on the
Supreme Court decision dated 1/12/1988 -Petitions against atrocities on women,
in particular harassment of bride, bride-burning , rape, murder, or petitions from
riot victims comes under the Public Interest Litigation. With reference to case
B.P. Singhal vs Union of India even when no specific legal injury is caused to a
person or to a determinate class or group of persons by an act or omission of the
State or any public authority but when an injury is caused to public interest, a
concerned citizen can maintain an action for vindicating the rule of law and
setting aside the unlawful action or enforcing the performance of public duty. The
same is produced below-
1. cases may arise where there is undoubtedly public injury by the
act or omission of the State or a public authority but such act or
omission also causes a specific legal injury to an individual or
to a specific class or group of individuals. In such cases, a
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4
MANU/SC/0082/1984
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5
MANU/SC/0019/1960
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2.1 It is submitted that, in analyzing the legality and correctness of the decision of the
Gujrana Government regarding the remission orders for accused, the pivotal
consideration lies in the interpretation of the term "appropriate Government" as
outlined in sub-section (7) of Section 432 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
The essence of "appropriate Government" elucidated in sub-section (1) of Section
432 underscores the authority vested in the government of the state where the
offender is sentenced to make decisions pertaining to suspension or remission of
sentences. This implies that the state government where the sentencing occurred
holds the jurisdiction to entertain applications for remission and issue corresponding
orders.
2.2 It is most respectfully submitted on behalf of the Petitioner that the consistency in
defining the "appropriate Government," particularly emphasized in claus (b) of sub-
section (7) of Section 432, underscores the legislative intent to designate the
government of the state where the offender underwent trial and received sentencing
as the competent authority to consider remission applications. Notably, factors such
as the location of the crime or the convict's place of imprisonment are deemed
irrelevant in determining the appropriate government. Even in instances where the
trial and investigation were transferred to another state, as in the present case where
proceedings were moved from Gujrana to Mumbra, the authority to entertain
remission applications remains with the state where the sentencing was finalized.
2.3 It is submitted that since the ‘appropriate government’ in the instant case is the State
of Mahadesham, the remission policy of the State of Mahadesham would be
applicable. Thus, the remission policy of the State of Gujrana dated 09.07.1992
would be wholly inapplicable. It was contended that the remission policy dated
09.07.1992 of the State of Gujrana was not even in existence as on the date for
consideration of the remission applications as it was scrapped by way of a Circular
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dated 08.05.2014 pursuant to the letter of the Central Government circulated to all
the States/UTs requiring the implementation of the judgment of this Court in
Sangeet vs. State of Haryana6, wherein this Court held that before actually
exercising the power of remission under Section 432 of the CrPC, the appropriate
government must obtain the opinion of the Presiding Judge of the convicting or
confirming court and that the remission shall not be granted in a wholesale manner.
The same ratio is as follows –
1. sense, therefore, the application of Section 432 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure to a convict is limited. A convict serving a
definite term of imprisonment is entitled to earn a period of
remission or even be awarded a period of remission under a
statutory rule framed by the appropriate Government or under
the Jail Manual. This period is then offset against the term of
punishment given to him. In such an event, if he has undergone
the requisite period of incarceration, his release is automatic
and Section 432 of the Code of Criminal Procedure will not
even come into play. This Section will come into play only if the
convict is to be given an "additional" period of remission for his
release, that is, a period in addition to what he has earned or
has been awarded under the Jail Manual or the statutory rules.
2.4 That pursuant to the cancellation of the policy dated 09.07.1992, the State of
Gujrana came up with a new remission policy dated 23.01.2014, and even this
policy would not entitle remission of the accused herein, for two reasons: firstly,
because the remission policy of the State of Mahadesham would be applicable as it
is the ‘appropriate government’, and secondly, the 2014 policy of the State of
Gujrana bars the grant of remission to convicts of heinous crimes.
2.5 In Ratan Singh7, on discussing Section 401 of the erstwhile CrPC (corresponding to
Section 432 of the present CrPC) it was observed that the test to determine the
appropriate Government is to locate the State where the accused was convicted and
6
(2013) 2 SCC 452
7
, State of M.P. vs. Ratan Singh, (1976) 3 SCC 470 (
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sentenced and the Government of that State would be the appropriate Government
within the meaning of Section 401 of the CrPC. In the said case, it was observed that
the accused was convicted and sentenced in the State of Madhya Pradesh and though
he was discharging his sentence in a jail in Amritsar in the State of Punjab, the
appropriate Government under section 401 (1) of the erstwhile CrPC to exercise the
discretion for remission of the sentence was the State of Madhya Pradesh. It was
further observed that even under the new Code i.e. CrPC, 1973 as per sub-section
(7) of Section 432 thereof, the phrase appropriate Government had the same
meaning as the latter provision had been bodily lifted from Section 402(3) of the
erstwhile CrPC. The relevant ratio is as follows –
a. that the appropriate Government has the undoubted
discretion to remit or refuse to remit the sentence and
where it refuses to remit the sentence no writ can be
issued directing the State Government to release the
prisoner; (3) that the appropriate Government which is
empowered to grant remission under s. 401 of the Code
of Criminal Procedure is the Government of the State
where the prisoner has been convicted and sentenced,
that is to say, the transferor State and not the transferee
State where the prisoner may have been transferred at
his instance under the Transfer of Prisoners Act; and (4)
that where the transferee State feels that the accused has
completed a period of 20 years it has merely to forward
the request of the prisoner to the concerned State
Government, that is to say, the Government of the State
where the prisoner was connected and sentenced and
even if this request is rejected by the State Government
the order of the Government cannot be interfered with by
a High Court in its writ jurisdiction.
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2.6 In the case of Hanumant Dass, 8the incident occurred in Dharmshala, Himachal
Pradesh, but the case was transferred to Gurdaspur, Punjab, while it was pending
before the Sessions Court. Despite the transfer, the appropriate government for
considering remission remained the one in Himachal Pradesh, where the convict
was originally sentenced. Regarding the clemency power of a Governor under
Article 161 of the Constitution, the decision in M.T. Khan clarified that the
appropriate government for granting remission is determined based on the state
where the convict was originally convicted, not the state where they are currently
serving their sentence. The same ratio is laid as –
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9
(2003) 7 SCC 121
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2.9 It is submitted that, according to the interpretation of sub-section (7) of Section 432
of the CrPC and the judgments of the Court, it is determined that the State of
Mumbara holds the authority to consider applications for remission for the accused.
This is because they were sentenced by the Special Court in Mumbara. Therefore,
the applications filed by Mahesh Vora and others seeking remission had to be
rejected by the State of Gujrana because it lacked the jurisdiction to consider them.
The High Court of Gujrana decision on this matter is incorrect.when an authority
lacks the legal right or power to handle a matter, such as the State of Gujrana in this
case not being the appropriate Government to issue remission orders under Section
432 of the CrPC, any orders it issues in that regard are considered invalid. This
principle is similar to the concept of a court lacking jurisdiction to hear a case,
making any resulting judgment invalid. Therefore, the remission orders issued by
the State of Gujrana are legally void and must be quashed and set aside.
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3.1 The Petitioner most humbly submits that the observations made in the case of
Yakub Abdul Razak Memon v. State of Maharashtra through CBI 10, Bombay,
particularly in paras 921 and 922, underscore the importance of ensuring that the
exercise of power by the appropriate Government under Section 432 of the Code
of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) is not automatic, but subject to stringent
conditions. Sec 432 talks about power to suspend or remit sentences.It is
submitted that, Section 432(1)in The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 States
that When any person has been sentenced to punishment for an offence, the
appropriate Government may, at any time, without conditions or upon any
conditions which the person sentenced accepts, suspend the execution of his
sentence or remit the whole or any part of the punishment to which he has been
sentenced.
3.3 Secondly, the misconception that a prisoner serving a life sentence has an
indefeasible right to release after completion of a certain period, such as 14 or 20
years, is dispelled. It is clarified that a convict undergoing life imprisonment is
expected to remain in custody until the end of their life, subject to any remission
10
(2013) 13 SCC 1
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3.4 In light of these observations, the Petitioner submits that any application for
remission must be carefully scrutinized, ensuring adherence to statutory
procedures and substantive checks laid down in the CrPC. The discretion vested
in the appropriate Government must be exercised judiciously, considering the
gravity of the offense, interests of justice, and the rights of all concerned parties.
Any arbitrary exercise of power would not only undermine the rule of law but
also jeopardize the principles of fairness and justice inherent in the legal system.
Therefore, the Petitioner respectfully urges the Honorable Court to uphold the
principles laid down in Yakub Abdul Razak Memon case and ensure that
remission decisions are made in a manner consistent with the law and the dictates
of justice. The relevant portion is is as follows -
1. “921. In order to check all arbitrary remissions, the Code itself
provides several conditions. Sub-sections (2) to (5) of Section
432 of the Code lay down basic procedure for making an
application to the appropriate Government for suspension or
remission of sentence either by the convict or someone on his
behalf. We are of the view that exercise of power by the
appropriate Government under sub-section (1) of Section 432 of
the Code cannot be automatic or claimed as a right for the
simple reason, that this is only an enabling provision and the
same would be possible subject to fulfilment of certain
conditions. Those conditions are mentioned either in the Jail
Manual or in statutory rules. This Court, in various decisions,
has held that the power of remission cannot be exercised
arbitrarily. In other words, the decision to grant remission has
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3.5 Emphasizing the gravity of the offences in this case and the grotesque nature of
the crimes committed by the accused, it is submitted that while considering the
application for remission, the appropriate government was required to bear in
mind the effect of its decision on the victim and the family of the victims, the
society as a whole and the precedent it would set for the future. To buttress the
said submission, reliance is placed on Epuru Sudhakar 11, Swamy Shraddhananda
vs. State of Karnataka, 12. Reliance was also placed on the decision in Laxman
Naskar wherein this Court had discussed the factors to be considered before
granting remission.
3.6 It was urged that the prerogative power of remission is not immune from judicial
review, vide Epuru Sudhakar wherein it was observed that judicial review of the
order of remission is available on the following grounds:
(i) non-application of mind;
(ii) order is mala fide;
(iii) order has been passed on extraneous or wholly irrelevant considerations;
11
supra
12
(2008) 13 SCC 767
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relevant factors were not considered. That the State Government failed to
consider the relevant material and make an objective assessment while
considering the applications of the convicts for remission. The nature and gravity
of the crime, the impact of the remission orders on the victim and her family,
witnesses and society at large, were not considered. That mere good behaviour in
jail and completion of fourteen years in jail are not the only pre-requisites while
considering the application for premature release of the convicts.
3.8 It is most humbly submitted that implementation of the judgment of this Court in
Sangeet vs. State of Haryana13, wherein this Court held that before actually
exercising the power of remission under Section 432 of the CrPC, the appropriate
government must obtain the opinion of the Presiding Judge of the convicting or
confirming court and that the remission shall not be granted in a wholesale
manner,.
3.9 It is most humbly submitted on behalf of the Petitioner that consulting the
Presiding Judge of the convicting court as required under Section 432(2) of the
CrPC, it was submitted that the said provision categorically stipulates that the
appropriate government ‘may require’ the Presiding Judge of the Trial Court to
give his opinion, but the fact sheet is silent on the same.
3.10 It is most humbly contended that the petition does not constitute an
intervention into criminal proceedings but is rather a challenge to arbitrary
executive action, which is amenable to judicial review. That it is settled law that
the exercise of power under Section 432 of the CrPC is an administrative act
which neither retracts from a judicial order nor does it wipe out the conviction of
the accused and is merely an executive prerogative exercised after the judicial
function in a criminal proceeding has come to an end vide Epuru Sudhakar and
13
(2013) 2 SCC 452
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3.12 It is evident from the judgment that the power of remission is not to be
wielded indiscriminately but must be exercised with due diligence, ensuring that
each decision is well-informed, reasonable, and fair to all concerned parties. This
underscores the principle that the rights and interests of victims, society, as well
as the convict, must be carefully weighed and balanced in the decision-making
process.
3.13 Furthermore, the statutory procedure laid down in Section 432 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure (CrPC) serves as a crucial check against the potential misuse
of power by the appropriate Government. This statutory framework establishes
procedural safeguards to prevent arbitrary or capricious exercise of discretion,
ensuring transparency and accountability in the remission process.
3.14 In light of these observations, the Petitioner respectfully submits that any
decision regarding remission must adhere strictly to the principles enunciated by
the Court in Sangeet,Mahender Singh and Jagdish. The discretion vested in the
appropriate Government must be exercised judiciously, with a meticulous
examination of each case on its individual merits. Failure to do so would not only
undermine the integrity of the criminal justice system but also compromise the
14
Supra
15
supra
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3.15 Therefore, the Petitioner urges the Honorable Court to uphold the principles
laid down in the aforementioned judgment and ensure that the power of remission
is exercised in a manner consistent with the dictates of justice, fairness, and the
rule of law.
3.16 In conclusion, the decision of the Gujarat Government to grant remission to
the accused violates the principles outlined in Section 432 of the CrPC and
relevant
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PRAYER
Wherefore, in the light of the facts presented, arguments advanced and authorities cited, the
Petitioner humbly submit that the Supreme Court be pleased to adjudge and declare that
2.By way of writ of mandamus or any other appropriate writ to that effect set aside the
remission granted by the State Government of Gujrana to the convicted individuals and
review remission policies to exclude heinous crimes.
3.Ensure adequate compensation and rehabilitation for the surviving victims and
recommend legislative measures to strengthen the legal framework governing remission.
4. Any other relief deemed fit by this Hon'ble Court in the interest of justice.
For the act of kindness ,the Petitioner shall duty bound forever pray.
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