https://www.taxtmi.com/caselaws?id=312849 The SC held that free legal aid is a fundamental right under Art. 21 for those unable to afford representation, mandating Magistrates and Sessions Judges to inform accused individuals of this entitlement. The trial's lack of legal representation rendered the conviction unconstitutional, leading to its annulment. Consequently, the appellant's dismissal from employment was quashed, with reinstatement ordered but without back wages. The Court opted against a retrial to protect the appellant's interests, underscoring the necessity of legal awareness and access to justice for the impoverished and illiterate, thereby ensuring fair legal proceedings. en-us Mon, 10 Mar 1986 00:00:00 +0530 Tue, 12 Mar 2024 10:29:32 +0530 TaxTMI RSS Generator https://www.taxtmi.com/caselaws?id=312849 The SC held that free legal aid is a fundamental right under Art. 21 for those unable to afford representation, mandating Magistrates and Sessions Judges to inform accused individuals of this entitlement. The trial's lack of legal representation rendered the conviction unconstitutional, leading to its annulment. Consequently, the appellant's dismissal from employment was quashed, with reinstatement ordered but without back wages. The Court opted against a retrial to protect the appellant's interests, underscoring the necessity of legal awareness and access to justice for the impoverished and illiterate, thereby ensuring fair legal proceedings. Case-Laws Indian Laws Mon, 10 Mar 1986 00:00:00 +0530 https://www.taxtmi.com/caselaws?id=312849