Coined by the Supreme Court of India, the term "rarest of rare" refers to cases of extreme brutality in India, when the death penalty is considered appropriate.
Amid the recent RG Kar verdict, in which the judiciary did not hold the case as “rarest of rare”, here are six instances when it did:
Nirbhaya Gang Rape Case (2012): The brutal gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman in Delhi; death penalty for four of the six accused.
Indira Gandhi Assassination (1988): Involved the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi; death sentences for conspirator Kehar Singh and others.
State vs. Ranga and Billa (1980): Two men were convicted for the kidnapping, rape, and murder of a 16-year-old girl and her younger brother.
Dhananjoy Chatterjee (2004): Convicted for the brutal murder of Hetal Parekh, a young woman, after committing rape and robbery in her home.
Machhi Singh (1983): This case involved multiple murders committed by a group of individuals during a robbery that resulted in extreme brutality.
Prajeet Kumar Singh (2008): The accused was sentenced to death for committing heinous acts against multiple victims inciting public outrage.