Question:

Which of the following cases laid down the “rarest of rare” doctrine for awarding the death penalty in India?

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Bachan Singh = Death Penalty (Rarest of Rare).
Maneka Gandhi = Personal Liberty (Golden Triangle).
Keshavananda = Basic Structure.
Updated On: Jun 30, 2026
  • Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978) AIR 597
  • Bachan Singh v. State of Punjab (1982) 3 SCC 24
  • Keshavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala AIR 1973 SC 1461
  • Selvi v. State of Karnataka AIR 2010 SC 1974
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept: The death penalty is a controversial topic, and the Indian judiciary has placed strict limitations on its use to ensure it is not arbitrary.

Step 1: Defining the Doctrine.
The "Rarest of Rare" doctrine means that the death penalty should only be given for crimes of extreme brutality. Courts must weigh both the aggravating and mitigating circumstances.

Step 2: Identifying the Landmark Case.
This was established in

Bachan Singh v. State of Punjab (1982). The court ruled that life imprisonment is the rule, and the death penalty is the exception.
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