---
title: "Article 72: Pardoning Power of the President"
description: "Article 72 defines the President's clemency powers in India, allowing pardons and commutations in specific cases, crucial for legal and political contexts."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/article-72-pardoning-power-of-president"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Article 72 of the Indian Constitution empowers the President to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment and to suspend, remit, or commute sentences in specified cases.
- How does Article 72 differ from Article 161?
- Does the President exercise the pardoning power personally?
- Can a clemency decision under Article 72 be challenged in court?
- What is the difference between a pardon, commutation, and remission?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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President Pranab Mukherjee rejected the mercy petition of Ajmal Kasab under Article 72, after which Kasab was executed in November 2012 for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

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