Match the following columns.
Pardoning Power — Function
1. Commutation
2. Reprieve
3. Respite
4. Remission
5. Pardon
a. Cancels both the sentence and the conviction
b. In special cases, reduces the sentence originally awarded
c. Reduces the duration of the sentence without changing its nature
d. Temporarily stays the execution of a sentence
e. Changes one form of punishment into a lighter one
1-e, 2-d, 3-b, 4-c, 5-a
Article 72 of the Indian Constitution empowers the President of India to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment, or to suspend, remit, or commute the sentence of any convicted person (a parallel but somewhat narrower power is given to Governors of States under Article 161). These five forms of clemency differ in scope and legal effect:
| Power | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pardon | Completely absolves the offender — it wipes out both the conviction and the sentence, restoring the person's innocence in the eyes of the law and removing all disqualifications flowing from the conviction. |
| Reprieve | A temporary stay or postponement of the execution of a sentence (particularly a death sentence), usually to allow time for the convict to seek a pardon or commutation, or on special grounds such as pregnancy — it delays the sentence without cancelling it. |
| Respite | Awarding a lesser sentence than originally imposed in view of special circumstances, such as the physical or mental condition of the convict, or pregnancy. |
| Remission | Reduces the period or duration of a sentence without changing its character — for example, a 10-year sentence reduced to 7 years, still to be served in the same form as originally awarded. |
| Commutation | Substitutes one form of punishment with a lighter one of a different kind — for example, a death sentence commuted to life imprisonment, or rigorous imprisonment commuted to simple imprisonment. |
Matching each numbered power to its correct function gives: commutation with substitution to a lighter form of punishment, reprieve with temporary postponement of execution, respite with award of a lesser sentence due to special circumstances, remission with reduction of duration without change of nature, and pardon with complete removal of both sentence and conviction.
This matching corresponds exactly to the sequence 1-e, 2-d, 3-b, 4-c, 5-a, which is why that arrangement is the correct answer. The other sequences listed pair at least one power with the wrong function — several of them incorrectly swap the meanings of remission and respite, or of commutation and pardon, which is inconsistent with the constitutional definitions above.
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Match the following columns
Power Meaning 1. Commutation e. Substitution of one form of punishment for a lighter one (e.g., death → life imprisonment) 2. Reprieve d. Temporary stay on the execution of a sentence (delay, not cancellation) 3. Respite b. Award of a lesser sentence in special cases (e.g., pregnancy, disability) 4. Remission c. Reducing the period of sentence without changing its nature 5. Pardon a. Completely removes bold the sentence and the conviction According to the Article 75 of the Indian Constitution, the total number of ministers (including the Prime Minister) in the Council of Ministers shall NOT exceed what percentage of the total members of the House of the People, i.e., Lok Sabha?
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Match the following columns. Pardoning power Function 1. Commutation a. Removes both sentence and the conviction. 2. Reprieve b. Lesser sentence than originally given, in special case 3. Respite c. Reducing the period of sentence without changing th of the sentence. 4. Remission d. Temporary stay on the execution of a sentence. 5. Pardon e. Substitution of one form of punishment to a lighter on
According to the Article 75 of the Indian Constitution, the total number of ministers (including the Prime Minister) in the Council of Ministers shall NOT exceed what percentage of the total members of the House of the People, i.e., Lok Sabha?
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