The proposed legislation aims to reduce sentences for individuals facing life imprisonment, particularly those convicted of capital offenses to 30 years.
"Sentence of death shall not be pronounced on or recorded against any person convicted of an offence if it appears to the court that at the time when the offence was committed he was under the age of eighteen years, but in lieu thereof the court shall sentence such person to be detained during the President's pleasure, and if so sentenced he shall be liable to be detained in The Penal Code Bill, 2023," reads the proposed Bill in part.
It also aims to remove the subjection of children sentenced in lieu of death penalty from detention at the President's pleasure. Through a gazette notice, the head of state made the decision following the recommendation by the power of mercy advisory committee.