All Conviction, Bail-Related Judgments Must Carry Coversheet Informing About Free Legal Aid Facilities: Patna High Court

The Patna High Court has issued a Circular directing all courts under its jurisdiction to attach a coversheet to judgments involving conviction, dismissal or reversal of acquittal, or bail application dismissal, informing the affected party of their right to free legal aid for pursuing higher remedies.

The above direction issued via a Circular Order dated 21 April 2025 follows the Supreme Court's observation in para 34(xvi) of its judgment dated 23.10.2024 in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 1082 of 2020, Suhas Chakma v. Union of India & Ors.

The circular states: “All courts including the High Court while furnishing the copy of the judgment of conviction/dismissal/reversal of acquittal/dismissal of bail applications, will append coversheets as enclosed herewith, to the judgment informing the convict about the availability of free legal aid facilities for pursuing higher remedies.”

It further states, “The coversheet will set out the contact address and phone number of the legal aid committee attached to the court for seeking appropriate guidance. Similar information will be made available in the notices issued to the respondents by the concerned courts in appeals against acquittal.”

The order has been circulated to judicial and government authorities for implementation.

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