The customary breaking of nibs by judges after awarding the death sentence has been observed in Hindi movies. Many have been intrigued by this strange ritual of the judges. Did you know that this practice has been going on since the British rule in India? We bring you some reasons that support this ritual.
After the dreaded punishment has been awarded, a lot of thoughts travel in the minds of the people present in the court that may reach the judge. He has to take this decision keeping in mind various other factors such as the family of the offender, financial conditions, health issues etc. There would be people that are ready to prove this decision to be a wrong one and may decide to knock on the doors of the next court. There is also a possibility of rehabilitation and family and friends might object to this decision of the judge.
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The death sentence is the toughest one to write and the pen that signs that order loses the right to be used again in another order. This could also have a psychological touch as the extreme punishment carries with it pangs of sadness and blood that makes it heavy to retain after signing the death order.By breaking the nib, the judge makes the pen useless for further use.
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Once the death order has been signed, the judge has no power to rewrite that punishment. This is another reason why the nib is broken signaling the end.
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Awarding a death sentence is never easy for a judge as it is akin to taking someone's life. The thought of being responsible for someone's death can trigger negative emotions. When the nib is broken and the pen is rendered useless, it is discarded which works well for the judges as they can avoid the guilt of using the pen that was used to sentence someone to death. The dark thoughts of guilt, worry and how the bereaved family would cope can cripple the mind.
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Breaking the nib after awarding the death penalty is being followed by the judges right from British Rule in India. It is said that issuing a death order is never easy for the judges and by breaking the nib they release their pain. The pain of removing a person from their family, putting them through sorrow and hardships and maybe poverty too, may trouble the judges. Emotions tend to play high at this time and this little ritual provides some relief from their agony. So, now you know why judges break the nib after awarding the death sentence to the offenders.
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