IPC Section 55 - Commutation Of Life Imprisonment

IPC Section 55 states that - the appropriate government has the power to commutate/ alter the punishment of life imprisonment passed against the offender to imprisonment for a term (less than 14 years).

• Always read IPC Section 55 with the CrPC Section 433A.
• CrPC Section 433A states the restriction on powers of remission or commutation in certain cases.  
• As per this section, Sometimes the punishment is commutated/reduced to "Life Imprisonment" Instead Of "Death Penalty". In such cases, the offender must have to live in prison for at least 14 years. 

[Corresponding Provision in BNS: Section 5 Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023]