criminalEnglish origin
Commutation
Substitution of a lesser punishment for a greater one � e.g., death sentence changed to life imprisonment.
Full Definition
Commutation changes the nature (not just duration) of punishment. Most common: converting death sentence to life imprisonment. It is an executive mercy power exercised by the President or Governor, subject to limited judicial review.
In Indian Law
Articles 72 and 161 Constitution. Section 433 CrPC (Section 474 BNSS). In Shatrughan Chauhan v. Union of India (2014), inordinate delay in deciding mercy petitions is a ground for commuting a death sentence.
Landmark Cases
Shatrughan Chauhan v. Union of India (2014) � Delay in mercy petition as ground to commute death sentence