What is the significance of the 'rarest of rare' doctrine in India's legal system

1. The 'rarest of rare' doctrine is a legal principle in India used to determine the severity of punishment for heinous crimes. 2. This doctrine was established by the Indian Supreme Court in landmark cases to identify the exceptional cases warranting the death penalty. 3. It considers the aggravating and mitigating circumstances surrounding the crime to determine whether the offender falls within the 'rarest of rare' category. 4. Factors such as the brutality of the crime, impact on society, and the criminal's mindset are evaluated under this doctrine. 5. The application of this principle ensures that the death penalty is reserved for the most extreme cases, contributing to the deterrence of serious crimes in society.