Calcutta High Court Takes Action Against Trial Judges for Failing to Ensure Legal Aid for Accused

The Calcutta High Court has directed disciplinary action against two judicial officers for failing to provide legal aid to an accused under the NDPS Act.

The Court found that during his arrest and court appearances, the accused was not offered a legal aid lawyer, violating Article 22(1) of the Constitution and Section 52(1) of the NDPS Act.

The court also noted that the arrest memo lacked any mention of the grounds for arrest, which is a basic right of the arrested person. 

The Registrar General has been directed to initiate appropriate action, reaffirming that procedural fairness is not optional but a legal duty.