The debate has recently been growing in India, with former President Pratibha Patil commuting the death sentence of 35 convicts in a few years and 14 former judges challenging death penalties confirmed by the Supreme Court.
Although India has not executed anyone since 2004, more than 400 people are on death row and the courts hand down fresh death sentences every year. Navkiran Singh, general secretary of World Coalition member organisation, Lawyers For Human Rights International, explains why he believes there is a positive move in his country.