A group of ministers (GoM) on aviation security has recommended that hijackers should get the death penalty.

"The clause on death penalty to the hijackers had been a debating point as some ministers had a view on the legal aspects of this section. But it has been cleared," a civil aviation ministry official told Indo Asian News Service.

A report by human rights NGO Amnesty International on the death penalty in India estimates that at least 140 persons were sentenced to death between 2006 and 2007. Around 44 were sitting on Indian death row around 2007 according to Amnesty, although the Government does not release official figures.

The death penalty is carried out by hanging in India.

Amnesty criticised the quality of legal representation available in capital cases, as well as concerns about the safeguards to ensure fair trial  in terrorism cases.

While national and aviation security is important, is it a good idea that another offence is added to the capital offences list?

As lawyers, what do you make of the death penalty in India? Do you think it is necessary to keep the peace or is it a violation of fundamental human rights?