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 interrogation.
A bench headed by 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 both custodial and pre-custodial interrogation.
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, filed by Shaffi Mather, aims to establish the right to legal counsel during police questioning.
- The court's decision will impact the conduct of police interrogations and the protection of individual rights.
Author's summary: Supreme Court considers lawyer presence during police interrogation.