Nirbhaya case convict files petition before Election Commission to challenge rejection of his mercy plea

After trial court, Supreme Court and the President of India, Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case convict Vinay Sharma’s legal representative has now registered fresh plea before the Election Commission to challenge the dismissal of his mercy plea.

Vinay Kumar has now challenged the Delhi government, raising question on the timing of the rejection of his mercy plea. Vinay Kumar’s lawyer AP Singh has stated that the mercy plea was rejected when the Model Code of Conduct was put into effect in Delhi, making Manish Sisodia disqualified to dismiss the plea.

"We have filed a complaint in the Election Commission of India because the mercy petition of Vinay Sharma reached the Delhi government on January 30. At that time the government recommended the rejection. He was not an MLA or home minister of Delhi government because Model Code of Conduct was imposed," said AP Singh.

The legal representative has further argued that the digital signature of Mr Sisodia was required an a screenshot received via WhatsApp was put to use to dismiss the mercy plea.

"I want that the pride of the EC, President, Supreme Court and Home Ministry shouldn't be destroyed in this way,” the lawyer said.

In the petition, the lawyer has asked the Election Commission to take cognizance of the issue.

In the meantime, convict Vinay Sharma tried to injure himself in the Tihar jail. He banged his head on the wall and hurt himself.

According to sources, Vinay Kumar was hurt after he banged his head against the wall on 16th February. He was, however, stopped by a jail official and was treated.

Also Read: Nirbhaya Case Hearing: New death warrant issued against four convicts; to be executed on March 3

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