Data Point: Trends in Death Sentences, Confirmations, and Acquittals in India
As of December 31, 2025, India had 574 prisoners on death row, a 43.5% increase since 2016. Despite this rise, there is a growing hesitancy in the appellate judiciary to confirm death sentences. Over the last decade, High Courts decided 1,085 death sentences, with 34.65% resulting in acquittals and only 8.31% being upheld. The Supreme Court has not confirmed any death sentences in the last three years, even acquitting and releasing 10 death row prisoners in 2025. These trends highlight concerns regarding the handling of evidence and procedural fairness in trial courts.
Key Points
- The number of people on death row has steadily increased since 2020, reaching 574 by the end of 2025.
- High Courts show a high rate of acquittals (34.6%) and commutations for death penalty cases.
- The Supreme Court has shown significant restraint, with zero confirmations in the 2023-2025 period.
- Specific High Courts like Patna (78.31%) and Karnataka (50.46%) have particularly high acquittal rates in capital cases.
Exam Facts
- Total death row prisoners as of Dec 31, 2025: 574.
- High Court acquittal rate for death sentences (last decade): 34.65%.
- Supreme Court acquitted and released 10 death row prisoners in 2025.
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