New Delhi
Officials confirmed on Wednesday that President Droupadi Murmu has dismissed the mercy plea of Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Arif, also known as Ashfaq, convicted in the Red Fort attack case nearly 24 years ago. This marks the second mercy petition denied by the President since her assumption of office on July 25, 2022.
The Supreme Court had previously rejected Arif’s review petition on November 3, 2022, upholding the death penalty imposed on him. However, legal experts suggest that a death row convict can still approach the apex court under Article 32 of the Constitution, seeking the commutation of their sentence due to prolonged delays.
Arif’s plea, submitted on May 15, was declined on May 27, according to officials citing the President’s secretariat order of May 29. The SC, in its ruling, underscored the absence of mitigating circumstances in Arif’s favor and emphasized the direct threat posed to the nation’s unity, integrity, and sovereignty by the Red Fort attack on December 22, 2000.
Despite numerous legal avenues pursued by Arif, including review and curative petitions, his plea for clemency was denied, underscoring the gravity of the offense and its implications for national security. President Murmu’s firm stance on such cases was evident in her previous rejection of a mercy petition last year, highlighting a commitment to justice in matters of serious crime.
