Commutation of sentence of death on pregnant woman

When a woman sentenced to death is discovered to be pregnant, the High Court must change the death sentence to life imprisonment. This applies whenever pregnancy is established before execution. The consequence is that she will serve imprisonment for life instead of facing capital punishment.

Priya is convicted and given the death penalty for a serious offence. A medical exam before execution shows she is pregnant. The High Court commutes Priya’s death sentence to life imprisonment, so she will serve imprisonment for life instead of being executed.