This Article is authored by Rupali Rinwa, an VIIIth Semester student of Unitedworld School of Law, Karnavati University on the term Life Imprisonment.

In movies, TV shows, and OTT series, we often hear that someone convicted of murder has been sentenced to "life imprisonment." Newspapers and news channels report it frequently. But soon after, we also hear that the same convict is released from jail in just a few years. So naturally, people wonder — Is life imprisonment only 14 years long?

This question often comes up in households, workplaces, classrooms, and community discussions. Some people say that days and nights are counted separately. Others believe that holidays are deducted. In reality, most of these beliefs are misconceptions.

So let's break down the myth and understand what life imprisonment really means under Indian law — both the old laws (IPC & CrPC) and the new ones (BNS & BNSS).

What Does the Law Say About Life Imprisonment?

Under IPC (Indian Penal Code):

Section 53 of IPC defines the types of punishments:

1. Death Penalty
2. Imprisonment for Life
3. Rigorous Imprisonment
4. Simple Imprisonment
5. Forfeiture of Property

Once a person is sentenced to life imprisonment, they are placed in government custody, either of the state or the central government.

Can This Sentence Be Reduced?

Yes, but only under certain legal provisions.

Under CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure):

• Section 432: Government may remit or commute the sentence.
• Section 433: Allows substitution of one form of punishment with another.
  For example:
• Death penalty → Life imprisonment
• Life imprisonment → Fixed-term sentence
• Section 433A: If the death sentence is commuted to life imprisonment, the convict must serve a minimum of 14 years.

Under BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023):

These provisions are mirrored in the new criminal procedure code:

• Section 475 = CrPC Section 432
• Section 476 = CrPC Section 433
• Section 479 = CrPC Section 433A

So, even under the new law, the rule remains the same — in certain serious cases, at least 14 years of actual imprisonment is mandatory.

Myth vs Reality: The 14-Year Confusion

In popular culture, we often see characters released after 14 years, creating the belief that "life imprisonment = 14 years."

But the truth is:

“Life imprisonment means imprisonment for the entire remaining natural life of the convict.”
– Supreme Court in Gopal Vinayak Godse vs State of Maharashtra (1961)

The 14-year mark is simply a minimum requirement for consideration of remission. It does not guarantee release.

Whether a convict is released early depends on:

• Good behavior
• Conduct record
• Nature of the crime
• Recommendation by jail authorities
• Government discretion

Key Supreme Court Judgments

Here are a few landmark cases that clarify the legal position on life imprisonment:

1. Gopal Vinayak Godse vs State of Maharashtra (1961)

• Life imprisonment means the entire life, not just 14 or 20 years.
• The 14-year figure is for eligibility of remission, not the sentence itself.

2. Maru Ram vs Union of India (1980)

• Confirmed the constitutional validity of Section 433A.
• Stated that President and Governor’s mercy powers cannot be used arbitrarily.

3. Shraddananda vs State of Karnataka (2008 & 2013)

• Introduced the concept of "Life imprisonment till the end of natural life without remission."
• Used as a substitute for the death penalty in some heinous crimes.

4. Union of India vs V. Sriharan @ Murugan (2016)

• Known as the Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case.
• Supreme Court held that state governments cannot grant remission in cases investigated by central agencies like CBI without approval from the Centre.

Quick Reference Table: Old vs New Laws

Final Word

So next time you see a villain walk free after “14 years of life imprisonment” in a film, remember — that’s fiction, not law.

In real life:

• Life imprisonment usually means entire life in prison.
• Early release is possible, but not guaranteed.
• The government has the discretion, and it’s subject to conditions.

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