JUDGMENT

SABYASACHI MUKHARJI, J.:— This is a petition under Art. 32 of the Constitution filed by one Madhu Mehta, who is the National Convenor of Hindustani Andolan. This petition seeks a writ of Habeas Corpus or an appropriate direction with regard to one Shri Gyasi Ram, S/o Shri Param aged above 60 years, who, it is claimed, has been waiting decision on his Mercy Petition pending before the President of India for about 8 or 9 years. The said Gyasi Ram was at all relevant time lodged in "Death Cell, Central Jail" Jhansi having been convicted for an offence punishable under S. 302 of Indian Penal Code and sentenced to death by the learned Sessions Judge, Jhansi on October 19, 1978. It appears that Gyasi Ram was convicted and sentenced to death by the learned Sessions Judge, Jhansi on 19th October, 1978 for committing murder. which has been described by the Under Secretary (Judicial), Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India, as the cold blooded murder" of a Government servant, namely, Bhagwan Singh, who was the resident of Mauranipur Tehsil, in District Jhansi Uttar Pradesh. There were arrears of land revenue due from Gyasi Ram and also one Mool Chand. For the purpose of realising