M.H. Hoskot v. State of Maharashtra
AIR 1978 SC 1548 · Supreme Court of India
A prisoner has a right to free legal aid and to a copy of the judgment to file an appeal; the profession is an instrument of Article 21.
Unit V · Professional Ethics and Professional Accounting System
Legal aid, amicus curiae and duties to the administration of justice
Study aid only. Confirm statute numbers with the current bare Act and the official OU LL.B. (3-YDC) 2024–25 syllabus PDF.
Statute sections
| Act / instrument | Section | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Constitution of India | 39A | Equal justice and free legal aid |
| Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 | 12–13 | Entitlement to legal services |
| Advocates Act, 1961 | 7(1)(c) | BCI's function to safeguard the rights, privileges and interests of advocates |
Landmark cases
Khatri v. State of Bihar
AIR 1981 SC 928 · Supreme Court of India
Legal aid must be provided at the first production of the accused before the magistrate, not after the trial has begun.
Centre for Legal Research v. State of Kerala
AIR 1986 SC 1322 · Supreme Court of India
Voluntary organisations and the Bar may be involved in legal-aid schemes; the State cannot abdicate Article 39A.