NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has criticised the Centre for opposing the proposal to administer a lethal injection instead of hanging to convicts sentenced to execution. The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking to replace the traditional method of execution with lethal injection.

"At least give an option to the condemned prisoner whether he wants hanging or lethal injection...lethal injection is quick, humane and decent, as opposed to hanging, which is cruel, barbaric and lingering...for 40 minutes, the body lingers on the rope," said Rishi Malhotra, appearing for the petitioner. He also pointed out that such an option is given in the army. However, the central government has clarified in its counter-affidavit that such an option is not possible.

The court, examini

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