Penal Code and Case Laws on Imprisonment for Life: A Study in the Context of Bangladesh

Abstract

In the early era of human civilization judicial system practiced various punishments to keep peace and harmony in society. Imprisonment for life was a part of the judicial punishment system for a long time. Bangladesh adopted this punishment from the Penal Code of 1860. The penal code was introduced to this sub-continent British Empire and from time to time it was amended. Imprisonment for life varies depending on the country or region. It has a different time duration. In Bangladesh, the period of life imprisonment had sentence periods of 14, 20, and 25 years, or for the rest of natural life. After the historical observation of Ataur Mridha vs. state- the life imprisonment sentence period became 30 years. However, in the case of a sentence awarded to the convict for imprisonment for life till his or her natural death by the court or tribunal, International Crimes Tribunal under the International Crimes Tribunals Act 1973, the convict will not be entitled to get the benefit of s 35A CrPC.