NEW DELHI: Commenting on the India legal system, chairman of the Law Commission that the legal system has gone beyond the reach of poor people.
Addressing an event organized by the Bureau of Police Research and Development, Commonwealth Human Rights and Delhi school of social work on Saturday to build a relationship between the criminal- justice and the common people of the country, head of the Law commission Retired Justice BS Chauhan told that the Indian legal system has become so expensive that not only the poor community, even he himself would be unable to afford big lawyers..
In the day-long event various stakeholders from across the spectrum, including prisoners, policy makers, implementers and the youth discussed the long-term impact of the system in place currently.
Witnessing the recent Law Commission of India’s 268th report on bail and the charging of high fees by the lawyers Chauhan said “Even if I hire a lawyer to fight my case, I would not be able to afford these days as it has become so expensive. Just imagine what will happen to the people in the economically backward section of the society”.
Talking about the topic ‘Amendments to criminal procedure code,1973- provisions relating to Bail”, Chauhan said, “ The legal network has become so complicated and the prominent lawyers costs the fees like taxis. We are familiar with the term ‘Bail not Jail’ but the poor person remains in the jail for his entire life due to high fees charged by the lawyers. Even the bail system in the country is so complicated, that a poor person can’t even think of the move to the court whereas the rich persons access it even before they get arrest warrant”.
The meet also provided space to prisoners to put forth their views on verification and the facilities provided in the jail.
“There should be some other way the way inmates who have been accused are screened at jail. I went through a horrifying moment. Also, there is a need for more legal awareness among the people” said Radha Kushwaha who was accused of killing her neighbour and spent eight years in jail.
The National Legal Service Authority (NLSA) which also participated in the seminar is mulling over an online service which will provide the details of the prisoner’s case for lawyers representing them.