Every jail inmate entitled to free legal aid: Judge

Every jail inmate has the right to free legal aid under the Constitution, said District and Sessions Judge-cum-chairman of District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Harpreet Kaur Randhawa.

“We are committed to providing free legal aid to everyone. It is a constitutional right, not a favour,” Judge Randhawa said during her visit to Central Jail, Borstal Jail and Women Jail, Ludhiana, where she heard the grievances of inmates.

Judge Randhawa apprised the inmates of their right to free legal assistance and informed them about the services available for pursuing their cases at the district level, in the High Court and the Supreme Court. To ensure transparency, she personally inspected the quality of food served to inmates and interacted with para-legal volunteers (PLVs) chosen from among the prisoners who assist their fellow inmates in accessing legal aid.

She further directed DLSA CJM-cum-Secretary Sumit Sabharwal to ensure that all needy inmates received timely and effective legal representation. “It is their fundamental right, and no inmate should be deprived of legal assistance due to financial constraints,” she emphasised.

During the interaction, Judge Randhawa also underscored the importance of reform and rehabilitation, encouraging the inmates to utilise their time in jail as an opportunity for self-improvement.

“Life behind bars is undoubtedly challenging, but transformation is possible at any stage. Focus on shaping your future for a better tomorrow,” she told them.

The visit was part of the DLSA’s ongoing initiative to address inmates’ concerns and to strengthen the system of legal aid delivery within correctional institutions.

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Dazy Bangarh was also present.