Supreme Court to Consider Police Interrogation Without Lawyer Presence
The Supreme Court has sought the Union government's response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding the right to have a lawyer present during police interrogations.
A Bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran issued a notice in the plea, which seeks recognition of the right to have legal counsel present during custodial and pre-custodial interrogations.
Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy stated that disallowing counsel during interrogation creates an atmosphere of coercion and violates the constitutional right against self-incrimination.
- The PIL, Shaffi Mather vs., aims to recognize the right to have a lawyer present during police interrogations.
- The petition argues that the current practice violates the constitutional right against self-incrimination.
Author's summary: Supreme Court considers lawyer presence in police interrogations.