Execution of rape-cum-murder convicts stayed by SC

The Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed the execution of two death row convicts in Karnataka which was scheduled for today. Their plea was tagged by the Bench with other cases in which the apex court had stayed the execution of other death row convicts.

The accused had been sentenced to death for brutally raping and murdering a teenaged girl in 2001. The two were sentenced to death by a trial court in July 2005. Their appeal was rejected by Karnataka High Court, which confirmed their death penalty in October 2005. The Supreme Court had upheld the High Court verdict in 2007.

The accused moved the apex court after their mercy petitions were rejected by the President of India earlier this month.

The bench headed by Chief Justice of India P Sathasivam has issued notice to the Karnataka government, seeking its response on duo's plea.