Discussion on capital punishment and life imprisonment is like discussing, which is the lesser of the two evils, because both are destructive of human life – the former kills the body, the latter the mind.
Both are repugnant (repulsive) to civilised society. Both are based on revenge, not reformation, as is usually claimed. Both are based on violation of the concept advocated by Mahatma Gandhi, “Hate the crime, not the criminal.” Mahatma Gandhi had always advocated forgiveness.
He says, “Learn the art of revenge from me – Forgive.” Where is forgiveness involved either in capital punishment or in life imprisonment? A British judge had aptly said that life imprisonment is only deferred capital punishment. In both the cases the victim suffers and none learns any lesson from it.
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It has been very well established that a person after spending a life time in prison becomes more revengeful of society He comes out a hardened criminal.
Both forms of punishment are counterproductive. They serve not the purpose for which they are intended. Ironically, both also violate another basic principle of civilized society. It is: “Society prepares the crime and the criminal commits it.” The tragedy is that society goes scot-free but the poor criminal is condemned or punished.
Famous English writer Goldsmith has advocated lack of punishment. He has observed, “The work of punishment is not to make it formidable (powerful) but to make it familiar.” This is possible only if instead of enacting a large number of laws, we spread the message of clean and harmonious, peaceful life.
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It is important to bear in mind that punishment has not succeeded in eliminating crime. The famous Newton concept, “To every action there is equal and opposite reaction” is applicable here.