Free Legal Aid Campaign Highlights Need for Convicts' Appeals

The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) informed the Supreme Court that 870 convicts in 18 states and Union Territories are interested in filing appeals against their convictions after being notified about their right to free legal aid. This comes after jail visiting lawyers (JVLs) communicated with the convicts.

The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) reported to the Supreme Court on Monday that 870 convicts from jails across 18 states and Union Territories wish to file appeals against their convictions. This move follows the convicts being informed of their entitlement to free legal aid.

Senior advocate Vijay Hansaria, serving as an amicus curiae in the matter related to prison overcrowding, noted that replies were pending from the State Legal Service Authorities (SLSAs) of 16 other states and UTs. NALSA had mobilized jail visiting lawyers (JVLs) to interact with inmates and inform them about the availability of legal support.

The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices B. R. Gavai, Sanjay Karol, and K. V. Viswanathan, acknowledged the need for further steps and scheduled another hearing in four weeks. NALSA plans to advise SLSAs on filing the appeals promptly.