Prisoners have right to seek legal aid: Chief Justice
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 22 2025: Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur, D Krishnakumar, who is also the patron-in-chief of the Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA), emphasised the fundamental rights of prisoners during legal awareness programmes held at Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa, and Manipur Central Jail, Imphal on Saturday.

Speaking on the theme "Rights of the Prisoners", the Chief Justice reaffirmed that prisoners, whether convicted or under trial, have the right to seek legal aid as protected by Articles 21, 22, and 39A of the Indian Constitution.

The programmes, organised by MASLSA, were also attended by High Court judge and executive chairman'of MASLSA, Justice A Bimol Singh, Justice A Guneshwar Sharma; and Justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui.

The Legal Aid Clinic (Extension) plaque at Manipur Central Jail, Imphal, was unveiled by the Chief Justice and the accompanying Judges during the event.

In his address, the Chief Justice highlighted the role of Under Trial Review Committees (UTRC) established in every district, comprising the district judge, district magistrate, SP, secretary of the Dis trict Legal Services Authority (DLSA), and jail superintendent.

These committees are responsible for addressing the prolonged detention of under-trial prisoners and ensuring their timely release when eligible.

He also spoke on the Scheme for Support to Poor Prisoners", under which financial assistance of up to Rs 40,000 is provided by state and union territory governments.

This scheme benefits poor prisoners who remain incarcerated due to their inability to pay fines or secure bail because of financial constraints.

The Chief Justice further encouraged inmates to seek legal aid from the newly opened Legal Aid Clinics at Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa, and Imphal, ensuring that free legal services provided by MASLSA are accessible to all prisoners.

MASLSA member secretary Alek Muivah said that prison is a place for correction and reformation.

He encouraged inmates to view their time in prison as an opportunity to reflect, reform, and reintegrate into society with a positive mindset upon their release.

He also explained the "Legal Aid Defense Counsel System" scheme, under which competent lawyers are appointed to provide free legal assistance to accused individuals who cannot afford their own counsel.

The programme was attended by key officials, including high court registrar general Ojesh Mutum, MASLSA additional member secretary Bineshwori Maibam, deputy member secretary Rajshree Yambem, and judicial officers, legal experts, para-legal volunteers, and members of the print and electronic media.

Chief Judicial Magistrate of Thoubal Dr Laishram Rina delivered a lecture on "Rights of Prisoners" and the role of the UTRC, explaining the committee's mechanisms and the categories under which under-trial prisoners are considered for release.

An interactive session was also held, where prisoners' questions were addressed by the judges and legal experts present.

The Chief Justice and his fellow judges inspected the prison facilities and noted the poor conditions of certain infrastructures, especially the toilets.

The Chief Justice instructed the member secretary to assess the situation and write to the authorities concerned for necessary action.

In a bid to relieve stress among inmates, a comical entertainment skit play was performed by the Nokphade team at Manipur Central Jail, Imphal.

A total of 500 prisoners from Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa, and 65 prisoners from Manipur Central Jail, Imphal, including detainees from Foreigner Detention Centres, participated in the programmes.

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