NALSAR University of Law report on fair trials:
Supreme Court Justice Vikram Nath expressed deep concern that over 70% of India’s prison population are undertrials, most of whom remain unaware of their right to free legal aid, as revealed in a NALSAR University of Law report on fair trial practices.
- The Fair Trial Programme (FTP), launched in 2019 by NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, through its Square Circle Clinic, provides legal representation and advocacy support to undertrials in Indian prisons—especially from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- 41.3% of undertrials had no lawyer assigned, and over 51% lacked necessary case documents.
- Nearly 68% of undertrials belonged to marginalised caste groups, and 80% worked in the unorganised sector.
- 58% of accused persons had at least one disability, showing intersectional disadvantage.
- Only 7.91% accessed legal aid, despite constitutional and statutory guarantees.
- The programme filed 1,834 bail pleas, secured 1,388 releases, and disposed of 777 cases, underscoring the importance of systematic legal intervention.
