Supreme Court Issues Guidelines To Improve Legal Aid Access To Prisoners

The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a slew of directions to enhance the availability of legal aid to prisoners across India. The apex court remarked that for the success of the functioning of the legal aid mechanism, awareness is the key. The guidelines were issued by the bench of Justices Bhushan R Gavai and KV Viswanathan.

The top court also asked the High Courts to consider issuing practice directions to all courts about informing the convicts about their right to legal aid at the time of conviction or denial of bail, reported Bar and Bench. As per the directions, boards furnishing the address for contact and the phone numbers of the nearest legal aid office should be placed in public places, including bus stands and railway stations. Notably, this should be done in the local language and in English. Additionally, promotional campaigns in the local language may be undertaken through radio.

"The Legal Services Authorities, at all levels, should ensure that the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System, which is a pioneering measure, functions to its full potential," the court added. The directions were reportedly passed in a 2020 public interest litigation filed by human rights activist Suhas Chakma regarding the safety of inmates.