As of February 2024, which year marked the highest number of prisoners on death row in nearly 20 years in India?

Correct option is A

Correct Answer is (A) 2023

Explanation:

As of February 2024, 2023 marked the highest number of prisoners on death row in nearly 20 years in India. By the end of 2023, there were 561 prisoners on death row, representing a significant increase from previous years.

• Annual Increase: The number of death row inmates increased by 45.71% since 2015, indicating a notable rise over the years.

• Death Sentences in 2023: Trial courts imposed 120 death sentences in 2023, contributing to the overall increase in death row population.

• Appellate Court Trends: Despite the rise in death sentences, 2023 witnessed the lowest rate of death sentence confirmations by appellate courts since 2000. The Supreme Court did not confirm any death sentences for the second consecutive year.

• Pending Cases: At the end of 2023, 488 death row prisoners were awaiting judgment from high courts, highlighting a backlog in the appellate system.

• Nature of Crimes: A significant number of death sentences were related to sexual offenses, particularly cases involving the rape and murder of minors.

• Geographical Distribution: States like Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh reported higher numbers of death sentences in 2023.