Indian Penal Code — Section 55

55. Commutation of sentence of imprisonment for life.--In every case in which sentence of 4*[imprisonment] for life shall have been passed, 5[the appropriate Government] may, without the consent of the offender, commute the punishment for imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding fourteen years.

55A.

Definition of "appropriate Government".

6*[55A. Definition of "appropriate Government".--In sections fifty-four and fifty-five the expression "appropriate Government" means,-

(a) in cases where the sentence is a sentence of death or is for an offence against any law relating to a matter to which the executive power of the Union extends, the Central Government; and

(b) in cases where the sentence (whether of death or not) is for an offence against any law relating to a matter to which the executive power of the State extends, the Government of the State within which the offender is sentenced.]

56.