Allahabad High Court Urges Enhanced Legal Aid for Prisoners, Criticizes Systemic Delays
The Allahabad High Court recently criticized the systemic failures in providing constitutional liberties to prisoners, noting the stark contrast between the nation’s celebrations of “Amrit Kaal of Azaadi” and the stark reality faced by those behind bars. The Court, led by Justice Ajay Bhanot, highlighted the ongoing issue of inadequate legal aid and delayed bail applications, which contribute to prolonged incarceration without access to justice.
Justice Bhanot emphasized that while the Constitution guarantees fundamental rights, these are often neglected for prisoners who remain uninformed and unassisted in securing legal aid. The Court’s intervention came in response to cases where prisoners, including a murder accused granted bail after 14 years of imprisonment, had their rights compromised due to delays and lack of legal assistance.
The Bench noted that many prisoners, particularly from marginalized communities, face significant barriers in accessing legal aid, resulting in unjust delays in their bail applications. It stressed the need for improved coordination among trial courts, District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs), and jail authorities to ensure timely legal assistance.
The Court issued comprehensive guidelines to address these issues, including the duty of trial courts to inform prisoners of their right to bail and the need for effective legal aid. It also called for enhanced IT infrastructure to streamline the process and ensure that prisoner data is accessible to aid in legal proceedings.
Furthermore, the Court directed DLSAs and jail authorities to maintain detailed records of each prisoner’s legal aid needs and ensure prompt processing of bail applications. The aim is to prevent unjust detention and uphold the principles of fairness and liberty guaranteed by the Constitution.
In its concluding remarks, the Court emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues, stating that every moment of delay in matters of liberty is a violation of constitutional rights. It reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring equal justice for all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status.
(With inputs from agency)
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