Issuing a stark warning about the growing vulnerability of marginalized communities in India, Supreme Court judges today highlighted alarming rates of child malnutrition, child labor and the devastating consequences of the pandemic. They highlighted the plight of millions of undertrial prisoners languishing in jails without proper legal assistance and the need for legal services authorities to bridge the gap between justice and the people it serves.

At the outset, Justice Surya Kant referred to worrying “self-styled” studies which claimed that 6.7 million children in India were at risk of severe malnutrition, which could lead to stunted growth, and that every year, 24 Millions of Indian children were affected by climate-related disasters.

“Some studies claim that India has the highest number of infants likely to receive no food in a 24-hour period,” Justice Kant said, referring to the study conducted in nearly 100 countries.

Speaking at the regional conference titled “Empowering Marginalized Citizens and Taking a Step Towards Social Justice: Achievements Achieved and Roadmap Ahead,” Justice Kant stressed that the crisis was exacerbated by the continued prevalence of child labor. children, with millions of children forced to forgo education to support their families.

Highlighting the catastrophic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on children in India, the judge said, “According to various studies conducted by major UN organizations, children have been the biggest victims of the pandemic – even though it may not be imminently obvious. »

Justice Kant said children of migrant workers, who made up 38% of India’s population, were left stranded during the lockdowns without any support. Highlighting the urgent need for a stronger legal framework to protect the rights of prisoners, Justice BR Gavai said: “Seventy-six percent of prisoners in India are under trial, i.e. they have not yet been found guilty. Many of them languish in prison due to lack of access to legal aid.”

Citing Article 39-A of the Constitution, Justice Gavai highlighted the obligation of the State to ensure justice through equality of opportunity and free legal aid. Citing the Supreme Court rulings, Justice Gavai said: “The court has held that the right to live with dignity extends even to incarcerated people. »

Justice Gavai highlighted the vital role of legal services authorities in bridging the gap between prisoners and the justice system. “From January to August 2024, legal services were provided to 1,84,749 people in detention. This includes 1,035 in Chandigarh, 7,059 in Haryana, 539 in Himachal, 971 in J&K and 21,093 in Punjab.

Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Sheel Nagu has urged the legal community to work tirelessly to ensure that justice becomes a reality available to all. The judge emphasized that the mission of legal services authorities was to bridge the gap between the law and the people it serves. “The essence of justice lies in righteousness and fairness, as demonstrated by those who follow the path of truth,” Justice Nagu quoted Manusmriti as saying.

Justice Nagu added that no detainee had been left without representation in court, while referring to the significant increase in legal aid services provided to detainees across the region. In 2023-2024 alone, 38,201 prisoners used legal aid services, compared to 32,976 the previous year.