Referring to the four death sentences issued on December...

Referring to the four death sentences issued on December 23 for the murder of a traffic constable, the journalist Rasheeda Bhagat wrote "There is a point of view that the judgement is too harsh and the evidence there too is quite flimsy. And, anyway, capital punishment should not be resorted to in an era that is far removed from the 'eye-for-an-eye, tooth-for-a-tooth' days... The debate ranges between those who say India should do away with capital punishment and move towards being a 'liberal, humane' society, and those who say that in the face of increased terrorist activities, only deterrent punishment like a death penalty can work." On the issue of the death penalty for terrorists Bhagat stated: "The death penalty should be available to a court of law to punish such criminals, is the common refrain. But what revenge can you take against suicide bombers who do not even wish to live, either to escape or face the consequences in a court of law? In a way, they are opting for the death sentence on themselves."