Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Allahabad HC judge advocates death penalty for corruption
Justice Atul Sreedharan from the Allahabad High Court has suggested that the government should consider the death penalty for very serious cases of corruption.
He mentioned that people who don't care about the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya are 'beyond shaming.'
He also criticized the Uttar Pradesh government's practice of demolishing properties of accused individuals, calling it 'Bulldozer Justice.'
The judge believes that corruption has become so common that it is only seen as wrong when people get caught.
He also referred to India's ranking in the Corruption Perceptions Index and suggested amending the Prevention of Corruption Act to include the death penalty for the worst cases.
The Ram Mandir donation controversy started when a former minister alleged that donations worth ₹5 crore to ₹7.5 crore were stolen from the temple, leading to an FIR and arrests.
Justice Atul Sreedharan suggests the death penalty for severe corruption cases.
He criticizes the Uttar Pradesh government's practice of demolishing properties of accused individuals as 'Bulldozer Justice.'
The judge refers to the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Mandir as a 'low point of Indian integrity.'
India's ranking in the Corruption Perceptions Index is mentioned as a failure to trigger public outrage.
The Ram Mandir donation controversy involved allegations of ₹5 crore to ₹7.5 crore being stolen, leading to arrests.
- Who
- Justice Atul Sreedharan of the Allahabad High Court
- What
- Advocacy for the death penalty for corruption and criticism of Bulldozer Justice
- When
- Remarks made in a 51-page opinion, specific date not mentioned
- Where
- Allahabad High Court, Uttar Pradesh
- Why
- To address corruption and the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya
Advocacy for Harsher Penalties
Criticism of Bulldozer Justice
Corruption Penalties
Advocacy for Harsher Penalties
Justice Atul Sreedharan suggests introducing the death penalty for severe corruption cases to deter corruption and restore public trust.
Criticism of Bulldozer Justice
Critics may argue that the death penalty is an extreme measure and that other reforms could be more effective in addressing corruption.
Bulldozer Justice
Advocacy for Harsher Penalties
Justice Sreedharan criticizes the Uttar Pradesh government's practice of demolishing properties of accused individuals as a form of 'Bulldozer Justice,' which he sees as a spectacle rather than justice.
Criticism of Bulldozer Justice
Supporters of Bulldozer Justice might argue that it serves as a deterrent and a swift form of punishment for criminal activities.
- Judge
- Justice Atul Sreedharan
- Court
- Allahabad High Court
- Issue
- Corruption and Bulldozer Justice
- Ram Mandir Donation Theft
- Alleged theft of ₹5 crore to ₹7.5 crore
- Date of Allegations
- 7 June
- Corruption Perceptions Index
- India's ranking in 2025
- Prevention of Corruption Act
- Suggested amendment for death penalty in grave cases