Debate on the vexed question. "DEATH BE OR NOT TO BE" has engaged human mind without finding universally acceptable answer. I have assiduously assayed to present diverse viewpoints, up to date and innovative on this complex problem of crime and administration of criminal justice under the covers of this work. Trends prevailing the world over in regard to the capital punishment have been catalogued for the benefit of the discernable intellectuals, social scientists, political analysis and anthropologists. The historical perspective on the extreme corporal punishment is included in this book. I believe it will enlighten the readers about the socio-political, economic and legislative aspects of the issue so that they may form their own independent opinion on the subject. In preparing this book I have dwelt upon proven national and international authorities and institutions to mould this work into a useful source of knowledge on the subject. Indebtedness thus incurred is acknowledged with humility. About Author : Mr. Avtar Singh Sohal has a brilliant academic record. A prominent debator of his college, he was also an athelete and sportsman par excellent. On completing his education in law, he started practice as a lawyer but got into judicial service. After a decade's stint in judicial service he opted to resume legal practice. Mr. Sohal is widely traveled and has penchant for reading and writing. He has contributed articles in some of best selling books. He has been in the legal service for five decades and has studied and written extensively on this subject of the extreme penalty. He is presently a member of the Supreme Court Bar Association of India, New Delhi.

Table of Contents:
Contents : Contents About the Book 1. Prologue 2. Capital Punishment in India: A Historical Perspective 3. Capital Punishment an Overview 4. The Extreme Penalty 5. Capital Punishment: Scope and Functions 6. Amendment of the Law of Murder 7. Special Categories of Murder 8. Moral Progress, Mental Retardation, and the Death Penalty 9. Status of the International Convenants of Human Rights 10. Facts and Figures on the Death Penalty Epilogue Bibliography