Life imprisonment is a form of punishment imposed by the state to a convict for committing heinous crimes such as rape, murder, terrorism, etc. . In India, life imprisonment is a prominent form of punishment and is categorised as a severe penalty. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860 introduced life imprisonment through an amendment in 1955. The Constitution of India now states that the prison sentence is 14 years, but the court decides the punishment according to the crime committed.

The Supreme Court of India has defined life imprisonment as confinement for the balance of the convicts natural life. It means that the convicted offender will remain in prison for the rest of their life or indefinitely until pardoned, paroled, or commuted to a fixed term. Life imprisonment is a severe penalty, and many believe that it is less harsh and more humanitarian than the death penalty. However, the idea that the penalty is humanitarian and only mildly severe is a far cry from reality. Life sentences have been the source of considerable pain and worry for people who are sentenced to them and their loved ones, as well as for those who are tasked with imposing or carrying them out.

The punishment for life imprisonment varies depending on the crime committed. For example, for murder, the punishment is death sentence or life imprisonment. False evidence shown in court during court proceedings can lead to death sentence, life imprisonment, or a fine as decided by the court. Abetment of mutiny or if mutiny is committed in consequence of can lead to death and life sentence for ten years or a fine.

In India, there is a provision for remission in the Code of Criminal Procedure that says that the state government can consider releasing someone on remission if they have fulfilled certain conditions. Completing 14 years in prison is one of those conditions. However, it is important to note that life imprisonment means living in jail for life and cannot be considered 14 years.