The Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC) has identified 4,216 prisoners across the country as eligible for legal aid and is taking steps to ensure their access to justice and potential release. The initiative is part of a nationwide legal assistance campaign led by Justice Surya Kant, Chairman of the SCLSC and a sitting judge of the Supreme Court.
In a virtual review meeting held on Monday with Chief Justices of various High Courts, Justice Kant was apprised that over 800 case files have been received so far, and legal aid has already been extended to around 300 inmates. Justice Kant emphasized the urgent need for all State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs) to forward the pending case files and requisite documents to facilitate legal remedies for the remaining prisoners.
Outlining the categories of prisoners eligible for aid, Justice Kant stated, “We have identified 4,216 matters where convicts across the country are entitled to three kinds of relief—those who haven’t filed appeals against High Court decisions, those who have served half of their sentence without bail, and those who have completed their sentence and are entitled to premature release.”
Justice Kant assured that the SCLSC is prepared to provide inmates with advocates of their choice and that dedicated teams have been deployed to handle the legal process. “If someone can communicate to them (prisoners), then we will provide them counsel of their choice. We have deployed our teams to look into everything. We will take care of everything,” he said.
The special campaign began on January 10 in collaboration with SLSAs and prison authorities. As part of this drive, more than 3,900 prisoners expressed interest in availing legal aid through the SCLSC. A subsequent meeting on April 1 urged High Courts to actively reach out to eligible inmates and submit their paper books and legal documents if they wished to proceed with legal aid.
To expedite the process, Justice Kant has now issued detailed directions to the High Court Legal Services Committees (HCLSCs). These include:
- Fast-tracking the transmission of paper books through special messengers, even on weekends and holidays.
- Immediate rectification of any deficiencies in case files.
- Appointment of nodal officers in every district to act as liaisons with the SCLSC for communication, clarification, and coordination.
Justice Kant also encouraged HCLSCs to re-approach inmates who had earlier declined assistance, highlighting the quality and effectiveness of the legal aid services offered under the initiative.
