India has opposed a UN resolution calling for a moratorium on the death penalty. India’s representative Mayank Joshi, explained its stand saying the UN resolution goes against Indian statutory law and the sovereign right of every country to determine their own legal system.
India, however supported an amendment reaffirming sovereign right to develop domestic legal systems. Mr Joshi said, death penalty in India is exercised in the ‘rarest of rare’ cases, where the crime committed shocks the conscience of society.
The resolution was adopted with 115 votes in favour to 38 against, with 31 abstentions after an intense discussion, said a statement on the UN website. The amendment was passed by 76 votes in favour, 72 against, 26 abstentions.