Multiple Life Terms to Run Concurrently, Not Consecutively: SC

A five-judge bench ruled that if a convict is awarded multiple life terms, the sentences will run concurrently.

Supreme Court of India. (Photo: Reuters)

A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur ruled on Tuesday that if a convict is awarded multiple life imprisonment then the sentences shall run concurrently and not consecutively.

The bench which also comprised justices FMI Kalifulla, A K Sikri, S A Bobde and R Banumati held that trial courts and high courts can award a term sentence along with life imprisonment simultaneously in a case where the convict may be asked to first undergo term sentence and then the life sentence.

The judgement came in response to a batch of petitions including the one filed by A Muthuramalingam on award of sentence in a case and whether they would run concurrently or consecutively.

(With PTI Inputs)