the question of death penalty. 43. The Indian Penal Code contains provisions to govern the situations of mass killings and murders. In­ dia has signed and ratified the Covenant on the Preven ­ tion and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. 44. Section 416 of the Code of Criminal Proce ­ dure, 1973, requires the High Court to postpone the execution of capital sentence on pregnant women and may, if it thinks fit, commute the sentence to imprison ­ ment for life. Article 7 45. The Indian socio-legal system is based on non-violence, mutual respect and human dignity of the individual. 46. Article 21 of the Constitution of India guaran ­ tees “personal liberty ” and thereby prohibits any inhu­ man, cruel or degrading treatment to any person whether he is a national or a foreigner. Any violation of this provision attracts the provisions of article 14 of the Constitution which guarantees equality and equal pro­ tection of laws against any private individual or the State. 47. The Constitution of India and also the criminal laws of India are applicable when the liberty and hu­ man dignity of an individual are encroached upon by the State or a private individual by way of cruelty or in­ human or degrading treatment. 48. In addition, the question of cruelty to prisoners is dealt with specifically by the Prisons Act. If any ex­ cesses are committed on a prisoner, the prison admini ­ stration is held responsible for them. 49. Any excesses committed on a prisoner by the police or gaol authorities not only attract the attention of the legislators but that of the judiciary as well. The Indian judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court has been very vigilant against encroachments upon his rights as a human being. The Supreme Court has held:
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the legal framework and principles related to the death penalty and human rights in India, highlighting the importance of non-violence, human dignity, and equality. It mentions specific provisions in the Indian Penal Code, Constitution, and Prisons Act, which suggests that the text is focused on the administration of justice and the protection of human rights.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, Human rights