This question tests knowledge of specific articles in the Indian Constitution related to the powers of the President and Governors. The key is to identify the article that grants pardoning power to the President.
Correct Option: B) Article 72
The question asks to identify which of the given options is NOT one of the five categories of pardoning power available to the President of India under Article 72 of the Constitution. We need to recall the different types of pardoning powers and compare them with the given options.
D) Acquittal — Acquittal means to be declared not guilty of a crime by a court. It is a judicial verdict, not one of the specific types of pardoning powers (Pardon, Commutation, Remission, Respite, Reprieve) granted to the President under Article 72.
The question asks for the correct definition of 'Commutation' as one of the President's pardoning powers. To answer this, we need to understand the different types of pardoning powers available to the President of India under Article 72 of the Constitution.
B) Substitution of one form of punishment with a lighter form of punishment is the correct definition of 'Commutation'. It involves changing the nature of the punishment to a less severe one.
The question asks for the definition of 'remission' within the context of pardoning power. This is a concept from constitutional law, specifically related to the powers of the President of India (Article 72) and Governors of states (Article 161).
C) Reducing the period of sentence without changing its character
This option accurately defines remission. It shortens the duration of the punishment while keeping the type of punishment (e.g., rigorous imprisonment, simple imprisonment, death sentence) the same.
The question asks to define 'Reprieve' as per Article 72 of the Indian Constitution, which deals with the pardoning power of the President. Understanding the specific meanings of different terms related to pardoning power is crucial for answering this question.
D) A stay of the execution of a sentence (especially of death) for a temporary period. This definition perfectly matches the meaning of 'Reprieve' under Article 72, which temporarily suspends the execution of a sentence, often to allow the convict to apply for a pardon or commutation.
The question asks to define 'Respite' in the context of pardoning powers. Understanding the different types of pardoning powers granted to the President and Governors in India is crucial to answer this question correctly.
Correct Option: A) Awarding a lesser sentence in place of the original due to some special fact such as physical disability or pregnancy. This definition perfectly matches the meaning of 'Respite' as a pardoning power.