Sentencing is the ethical and constitutional expression of the criminal justice system. Sentencing in India is still highly discret- -ionary,structurally arbitrary and philosop- -hically based on colonial retributive practices placing incarceration over rehabilitation. It is the view of this paper that critically analyzes the Indian sentencing structure through the Indian Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure, that there are no founded sentencing principles that should govern sentencing and as a result there is inconsistency in judicial decisions, congested prisons and the resultant recidivism. The paper seeks to demonstrate that the punitive sentencing model practiced by India cannot be congruent with the constitutional principles of dignity, equality, and reformative justice based on doctrinal analysis, comparative jurisprudence, empirical prison information, and interdisciplinary (criminology and sociology) revelation. Based on the experience of other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, the United States and Scandinavians countries, the paper recommended the creation of a National Sentencing Commission, written sentencing principles, and incorporation of restorative and community-based options. In the concluding part of the study, the authors determine that sentencing reform is the key to changing the criminal justice system within India to the type of regime of restoration, proportionality and reintegration.