Delhi government on Wednesday told the Delhi High Court that execution of Nirbhaya convicts is not possible on January 22 as the mercy plea is pending with President Ram Nath Kovind. Advocate Rahul Mehra, Standing Counsel for Tihar Jail authorities said that, fate of a death convict comes to finality only after his mercy plea is rejected by the President. Mehra further said that, 'It can only take place 14 days after the mercy plea is rejected as we are bound by the rule which says that a notice of 14 days must be provided to the convicts after the rejection of mercy plea.'

Delhi government on Wednesday told the Delhi High Court that execution of Nirbhaya convicts is not possible on January 22 as the mercy plea is pending with President Ram Nath Kovind. Advocate Rahul Mehra, Standing Counsel for Tihar Jail authorities said that, fate of a death convict comes to finality only after his mercy plea is rejected by the President. Mehra further said that, 'It can only take place 14 days after the mercy plea is rejected as we are bound by the rule which says that a notice of 14 days must be provided to the convicts after the rejection of mercy plea.'