Supreme Court Issues Notice on Petition Seeking to Allow Lawyer's Presence During Police Interrogation

The Supreme Court has issued a notice on a writ petition seeking to allow the presence of an accused's lawyer during interrogation by the police or other investigative agencies.

It was argued that there is a need for the greater good of the public that a lawyer be present during interrogation and tell the person whether or not a particular question is incriminatory.

It was also emphasised that the selective permission to access a counsel by the detainee is in gross violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 20(3), 21, 22 of the Constitution and increases the risk of custodial violence and death.

[Shaffi Mather v. Union of India]