The Supreme Court (SC) sets aside death sentence for lack of Fair Trial | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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The Supreme Court (SC) sets aside death sentence for lack of Fair Trial

Posted 18 Feb 2025

2 min read

The Court noted several lapses in the trial, including the failure to ensure competent legal representation, which resulted in the denial of a fair trial to the appellant. 

  • Citing Anokhilal v. State of M.P. (2019), SC stressed that legal aid must be "effective and meaningful," and not merely appointed, as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.

What is Fair Trial?

  • A fair trial is a fundamental human right ensuring that individuals are treated justly within the legal system.
  • A fair trial protects against unlawful deprivation of human rights and safeguards fundamental freedoms for all individuals.

Principles of Fair Trial

  • Presumption of Innocence (State of U.P. v. Naresh): Every accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the burden of proof lies on the prosecution.
  • Independent Judiciary (Shyam Singh v. State of Rajasthan; Article 50): Judges to be free from executive influence, ensuring judicial impartiality.
  • Speedy Trial (Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar; Article 21): Delay in trial proceedings violates the right to life and liberty.
  • Protection Against Double Jeopardy (Article 20(2)): No person can be tried or punished twice for the same offense, ensuring legal certainty and protection against repeated prosecution.

Right to a fair trial in international human rights law

  • Equality Before Tribunal (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 10): Everyone has the right to a fair, public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal.
  • Right to Appeal (International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Article 14): Convicted individuals have the right to seek a higher court’s review of their conviction.
  • Rome Statute (2002): Ensures that those accused of the gravest crimes against humanity are entitled to basic legal protections.
  • Tags :
  • Fair Trial
  • Anokhilal v. State of M.P.
  • State of U.P. v. Naresh
  • Shyam Singh v. State of Rajasthan
  • Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar
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