Reviewed case brief

Kehar Singh v. Union of India

AIR 1989 SC 653

The decision defining the scope of Presidential pardon power under Art. 72 in the context of the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

pardonarticle-72presidential-powermercydeath-penaltysem-5
Court
Supreme Court of India
Year
1989
Subjects
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
Reviewed
2026-06-29

Rule established

President's power to grant pardon under Art. 72 is of the widest amplitude. The President can examine the case on merits independent of judicial findings.

Facts

    Issues

      Held

        Ratio decidendi

        How to use it in an exam

        Editorial source

        AIR

        Educational summary only. Read the reported judgment or an authorised law report before relying on the case professionally.