In a significant move to ensure the provision of legal aid to undertrial prisoners and convicts, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has ordered the State Legal Services Authority to produce a report detailing the legal assistance offered in all state prisons. This directive was issued by a division bench consisting of Justices Vivek Agrawal and Devnarayan Mishra, who are overseeing the appeal of a murder convict.
The court’s decision came while hearing the appeal of Mohammad Aslam, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in October 2022 for murder. Notably, Aslam’s appeal was filed after a considerable delay of 850 days, highlighting potential inadequacies in the legal aid system. Recognizing Aslam’s financial constraints and his inability to secure legal representation on time, the court has condoned the delay in filing the appeal.
In its order dated April 28, the court expressed concerns over the functioning of the legal aid system in the state, particularly how it serves economically disadvantaged prisoners who might lack the resources to initiate timely legal actions. “This delay is a reflection on the working of Legal Aid in the State,” the court noted, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the matter.
The High Court has given the Secretary of the State Legal Services Authority two weeks to gather and submit a comprehensive report from all jail superintendents across Madhya Pradesh. This report is expected to shed light on the availability and effectiveness of legal aid services, ensuring that all prisoners, regardless of their economic status, have access to necessary legal resources.
