Randall was placed in judicial custody until Advocate Ajay Verma, who is the Senior Fellow of IBJ and the head of IBJ India Trust, filed his bail application. Meanwhile, the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM), the designated court for extradition conducted an enquiry under the Extradition Act, upon the application filed by the Government of India. He was granted bail by the Delhi High Court in February 2018. Verma represented Randall when he participated in the extradition enquiry.

Extradition request alleged that Randall committed offences which caused the death of Allya Siska Nadya by negligence in August 2015 after giving chiropractic treatment in Jakarta.  Later in the evening, the patient experienced severe pain on her back and neck and was admitted to the Emergency Department of a hospital in Jakarta. Next day she was declared dead at the hospital.

Ajay Verma contested that there was no prima facie case for causing death by negligence. He contested that the death occurred due to the medication administered by the Hospital in Jakarta and not by Randall’s chiropractic treatment. He further argued that the proximity of death was closer with the drugs administered, than that of the treatment. Also that the autopsy was not conducted immediately as warranted by the Indonesian Criminal Procedure Code, and was done when the body was in advance stage of decay, four months after the death. It was further submitted that the forensic report does not suggest that the death of the victim occurred due to Chiropractic therapy.

After eight years of the case being tried, the Court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Pranav Joshi discharged Randall on 6^th March 2025 stating, “Prima facie against FC (fugitive criminal) Randall John Cafferty is not made out in respect of the offence under relevant sections of the Penal Code of Indonesian and FC stands discharged.”

When Ajay Verma heard about Randall’s case, he took immediate action. And it is because of Ajay Verma’s diligence as well as deep commitment to his client that Randall is a free man and can fly back to America and be reunited with his family. Being wrongfully accused is terrifying, but being stranded on foreign soil can be a deeply traumatising experience. Timely and quality legal representation by Ajay Verma has resulted in realising justice. And Ajay Verma has been leading IBJ’S work in India since the organisation began its work in 2008.  He has been instrumental in training over 26,825 defense lawyers in India and providing legal representation to over 3000 individuals in the last 24 years.

Even before the Indian government announced a country-wide lockdown IBJ India Country Manager, Ajay Verma, sensed the panic about to hit detainees in Tihar Jail in Delhi, one of the worlds largest detention facilities, after seeing riots breaking out in prisons around the world. IBJ India took the initiative to draft guidelines for protecting prisoners and preventing outbreaks of COVID-19 in prisons, which were presented to the Supreme Court during a hearing on March 16, 2020.

Since then, IBJ India has advocated relentlessly to protect prisoners’ rights during the pandemic, from submitting a Public Interest Litigation requesting that the courts release pre-trial prisoners on interim bail, to launching a legal consortium application to the Supreme Court on safe transit of prisoners upon their release.

Following the success of these efforts, upon the announcement of the new laws relating to bail applications during the lockdown period, IBJ India convened an online seminar advising lawyers on how to navigate the legislative changes. The seminar was deemed a huge success and was attended by more than 800 lawyers from across the country.

Noting the power of technology in bringing lawyers together during the COVID-19 outbreak, IBJ India launched an initiative to provide continuous legal education during the pandemic in collaboration with the Criminal Justice Group and the Bar Council of Delhi. A number of online webinars have now been held on topics including rules of evidence and understanding an investigation. The webinars’ popularity continues to grow and have attracted up to 500 lawyers per session.

‘This series of webinars has been organised with a view to equip lawyers with better skills to provide an effective defense. IBJ is also bridging the gap between Bar Association leaders and lawyers and are going to conduct a session on how technology can be used in day to day legal practice to benefit lawyers and our clients. This will enable them to file cases electronically and continue to hold trials using technology platforms’ – Ajay Verma, Country Manager, IBJ India.

On May 5^th, IBJ India convened a virtual roundtable with leaders of the Bar Council of Delhi and other Bar Associations to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the legal profession and possible for solutions for lawyers. The roundtable gathered 61 legal professionals to discuss topics including; the challenges that holding court sessions online has raised; the possibility of reopening the courts; and how to support young lawyers facing economic challenges as a result of the pandemic, such as waiving bar membership fees.

IBJ India’s commendable efforts have been reported on by several media outlets. Read more about our COVID-19 response here:

• https://www.indialegallive.com/top-news-of-the-day/news/provide-safe-transit-along-facilities-released-prisoners-application-supreme-court-94141

• https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/coronavirus-india-prisons_in_5e7c4c82c5b6cb9dc19a6b2c?guccounter=1

• https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-prison-rules-to-be-amended/story-aMKPC5EdahyvtX1p9GOG1L.html

Throughout the past few years, IBJ India has expanded the scope of its operations by working with local partners to improve conditions and resources within prisons. Since 2017, IBJ India has coordinated Project Rupaantar, a rehabilitation initiative for young adults and women detained in Tihar Jail No.5 and No. 6. In collaboration with the Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Gem and Jewelry Skill Council of India (GJSCI), and the Delhi Prisons, the project aims to transform the lives of detainees. It empowers them with vocational skills, including imitation jewelry design and glass gem design. Developing such applicable skills will allow inmates to find work following their time in prison and live healthier, more productive lives. After earning a certification, inmates can immediately begin to work and earn money while in jail. By saving these earnings, they can more easily secure housing, food, transportation, and other necessities following their release.

IBJ India chose to implement this program in Jail No. 5 and No.6 because young adults and women are the most economically dependent segments of the adult population. Since so many Indian inmates are illiterate and lack employable skills, they struggle to reintegrate themselves into society and often end up destitute or back behind bars. Indian prisons are required to offer educational services. However, after several jail visits and studying reports by the Department of Prisons, IBJ India observed that the education offered to prisoners is neither enriching nor practical. Though prisons know that their educational services are subpar, they prioritize other crucial issues such as maintenance and security. To begin a new, honest life, inmates need education that directly translates into employment and stability. Project Rupaantar empowers prisoners with a sustainable, practical foundation to begin a new life upon their release.

Recent Developments

On Tuesday, July 30th, 2019, IBJ India conducted an inspection at Tihar Jail No. 5 to assess the progress of the GJSCI artificial jewelry trainings. We are pleased to report that IBJ India has successfully trained approximately 596 inmates thus far. Additionally, there are approximately 50 inmates being currently trained in Tihar Jail No. 5. Aside from those currently receiving training, an additional 416 certificates will be awarded to course graduates from Jail No. 5 and No. 6 before the end of the year. IBJ India is currently planning a ceremony for the inmates in jail, while mailing out certificates for those who have been released. To ensure that compulsory prison duties don’t interfere with their access to education, IBJ India has ensured that morning and night classes are available in both jails.

The inmates being trained are extremely pleased with this unique opportunity to join India’s ancient, yet booming, jewelry industry. With the hard work of the GJSCI and its trainers, the students are thrilled for what their future may hold. IBJ India took the names of the inmates present at the training and is looking forward to connecting the inmates to employment opportunities after their time in jail. Looking forward, GJSCI has guaranteed advanced training and employment opportunities to approximately 800 inmates.

International Bridges to Justice’s India Country Program (IBJ India) strives to create a just society empowered to protect human rights. To this end, legal rights awareness campaigns are a central part of our work. Only those who understand their rights can protect their humanity. In India, much of the population remains unaware of their legal rights and how to access counsel. To educate those in need, IBJ India conducts monthly prison legal awareness events to promote a basic understanding of the rights of inmates, prison standards, and legal aid.

From June 2^nd to June 11^th, 2018, IBJ India visited eight prisons in the Tihar and Rohini Jail Complexes to work with inmates and facilitate a Legal Rights Awareness and Legal Aid Camp. The camp worked with over 1,500 jail inmates. These sessions aimed to educate inmates about their rights and duties within the prison. In particular, IBJ India volunteer lawyers and staff taught inmates how to access free legal counsel, how to file for bail, and the role of legal aid in a just society. Prisoners, administrators, and the IBJ India team worked together to develop an interactive and practical program. A diverse set of activities, trainings, and other educational services created a worthwhile experience for the inmates. Presented in a substantive, yet concise, manner, these lessons were crafted such that people of any educational background could understand them.

IBJ India returned to conduct awareness campaigns in 2019. Using the previous year’s efforts as a foundation, IBJ India tested creative new ways of providing legal awareness to those without literacy. Seeking to bridge the gap between informative workshops and engaging storytelling, IBJ staff put on a skit depicting potential pitfalls in the criminal justice system. This engaging, relatable content resonated with inmates and may allow them to better apply the knowledge they gain from awareness campaigns.

Ongoing Challenges

Awareness campaigns are crucial to reduce the stigma surrounding legal aid in India. While Indian lawyers are not supposed to accept compensation in legal aid cases, some nonetheless demand payment. This unfair practice engenders distrust toward providers of legal aid among those most in need of counsel. Inmates ought to have confidence in those representing them. Awareness campaigns and training sessions seek to dispel myths surrounding sarkari lawyers, who are assigned by the government to work on legal aid cases. Empowering inmates to report corrupt lawyers builds trust in legal aid and prevents instances of malpractice. IBJ India’s direct interaction with prisoners rebuilds lost trust and instills confidence that justice can be achieved. By fighting corruption in the legal profession, IBJ India is doing its part to advance both its own work and the work of advocates across the country.

IBJ India continues to innovate new ways to deliver on its mission to protect human rights, including through its Legal Rights Awareness and Legal Aid Camp. This sustainable model for awareness campaigns can be used at other jails across the country. Teaching prisoners to leverage their rights will allow them to improve their circumstances and receive humane treatment. IBJ India’s commitment to human rights through legal education and service truly makes a difference in the lives of those most in need.

As a part of a joint initiative between IBJ India and Delhi Prisons to spread awareness among jail inmates about their rights and duties as prescribed under the law, a team consisting of Mr. Ajay Verma, IBJ Senior Fellow and Advocate, and Ms. Pankhuri Mehandiratte, Advocate, visited Central Jail No.3 on 31 March 2015. Tihar Jail has been identified as Asia’s largest prison complex, housing more than 12,000 under trial and convicted belonging to all age groups.

The event saw an active participation of over 200 inmates who had been charged for petty offences and were waiting for their trial to be completed. The main purpose of the event was to make the inmates aware about the provisions of bail and surety bonds and the juvenile justice act while informing them of their legal rights and duties. Mr. Sanjay, the prison welfare officer appointed by the Government as per Delhi Prisons Act, 2000, also contributed to the interactive discussions with the inmates.

Mr. Ajay Verma and Ms. Pankhuri Mehndiratta were given a warm reception by the prison administration. Mr. Ajay Verma discussed the provisions of bail in bailable and non-bailable cases, addressing the common problem of conditions of bail and surety bonds. A brief discussion followed about the provisions of the existing Juvenile Justice Act. Many inmates were under the false impression that the lawyers appointed by the Legal Services Authorities are state lawyers and that they will not get proper representation as they are being prosecuted by the state. Mr. Ajay Verma clarified this misconception after sharing his 13 years of experience working as a Legal Aid Lawyer. The inmates were also informed about their right to free legal aid. This event also introduced the ‘Information Booklet’, developed by IBJ India and Delhi Prisons to further inform the inmates of their legal rights.

Many inmates were hesitant to disclose their details at first, but IBJ India was able to identify 10 people who were in need of legal aid. IBJ will be returning to meet with them one-on-one in order to ensure that they receive proper representation.

The legal rights awareness event proved to be a huge success. IBJ India is delighted to have the support of the prison authorities and will work to strengthen the bond established between the prison administration and IBJ lawyers. The event proved to be another important step towards strengthening the legal justice system in India.

By Ritvik Mawkin, Intern, IBJ India

Pankhuri A. Mehndiratta and Katyayini,  IBJ India

IBJ India in collaboration with Delhi Prisons organized a two-day capacity building workshop for warders and custodial staff at the Prison Headquarters, Tihar, New Delhi on September 26 -27, 2014. The workshop was aimed at building capacity and legal awareness within the prison system in Tihar. It was attended by custodial staff including Warders, Head Warders, and the Assistant Superintendent from each prison in the Tihar Central Jail and Rohini District Jail. Both days at the workshop saw an encouraging level of interaction and participation by the custodial staff.   After the short introduction given by IBJ India fellow, Mr. Ajay Verma, the Deputy Inspector General, Mr. Mukesh Prasad, inaugurated the session. Mr. Sunil Gupta, Law Officer, Tihar jail, then gave a brief overview of the Delhi Prisons Act and the role of warders.

Mr. Alok Verma, Director General of Tihar Jail, held an interactive session with the custodial staff of the Tihar and Rohini prisons. An array of issues was brought to the attention of Mr. Verma ranging from the unsatisfactory living conditions of the warders and custodial staff to the problems that they face due to the lack of internal mechanisms for promotion. IBJ India was able to facilitate constructive dialogue between management and the staff of the prisons in a bid to strengthen mutual understanding of the challenges they both face.

Mr. D V Trivedi, Former Director of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), discussed the conduct of warders so as to ensure effective prison management. The custodial staff was then asked to share their ideas about prison and the purpose of incarceration. Though the majority of the warders and custodial staff agreed that reformation and rehabilitation was the end goal of incarceration, some of them were of the opinion that it is important to adopt a punitive approach towards inmates who are repeat offenders and display no respect for prison regulations. However, the attitude of the custodial staff was largely sympathetic towards the prisoners, recognizing that personal circumstances could have an influential role in their imprisonment and that it was the prerogative of the courts to pronounce someone guilty.

The session then moved on to the discussion of other issues, including the present infrastructure that needs to be upgraded to keep up to date with the latest technology. One specific demand is the need for more CCTV cameras to ensure complete and effective surveillance on part of the custodial staff. Also addressed was the problem of understaffing that is accentuated by the high professional dropout rate due to lack of incentives, promotions, and low wages. The custodial staff was successfully able to bring awareness that there are inadequate cashless treatment schemes for them and that the very few hospitals that offer this were meager in terms of the quantity and quality of these services. The refurbishment of staff quarters was promised by the Director General (Prisons), Tihar, during his interactive session and will hopefully be looked into immediately. Another major problem that was addressed was prison overcrowding. This leads to overwork and burn out of the custodial staff. Moreover, over 70% of the inmate population is under trial, which makes the implementation of discipline more challenging for the staff members. The problem is further pronounced when inmates, despite having been granted bail, are unable to secure their release on account of lack of a surety or the financial means to secure bond.

Mr. Ajay Verma, Advocate and IBJ India Fellow, discussed the role of custodial staff in ensuring justice for the inmates as well as correct bail procedures u/s 167,436,437 of the CrPC, appeals, parole, furlough and juvenile inmates. He also discussed that the segregation of prisoners should be more clearly defined and suggested specialized cells for first offenders. In order to ensure the awareness of the custodial staff about the prevalent legal provisions, judgments and techniques of administering discipline, it is imperative that they should receive regular training sessions. The prison staff then received instruction on the rights of the prisoners and their duties towards them. During the last part of the session, different reformative measures were discussed by the IBJ team members Ajay Verma (IBJ India Fellow) and Pankhuri A Mehndiratta (Advocate).

Dr. Shahzad Ibrahimi, a renowned motivational speaker, was also present as part of the eminent people that shared their energy for the cause of strengthening the criminal justice system and its pillars in order to ensure respect for human rights. Ms. Deepika Gupta, Consultant Psychologist at Human Dynamic, Gurgaon, shared her views on behavioral disorders and suicidal tendencies of prisoners and the role of prison staff in monitoring prisoners. In her highly engaging session, she gave valuable indicators to identify inmates with behavioral disorders to aid the custodial staff in assessing potentiality of suicide within the cells.

Strengthening the core of the criminal justice system of India through capacity building and awareness training helps IBJ India to live up to its mandate of ensuring the respect for human rights and preventing torture during detention. The entire team of IBJ India is extremely grateful for the support and collaboration of the Delhi prison authorities and looks forward to hosting similar events in the future.

IBJ India organized a two-day paralegal training for the convicts at the Central Jail, Ajmer on the 4th and 5th of October 2014. The workshop aimed at building capacity and awareness of speedy trial to the convicts of the jail. It was attended by ten convicts who were selected according to their educational qualification and happened to be life/long term convicts. IBJ was represented by Advocates Mr. Ajay Verma and Pankhuri A. Mehndiratta.

Inmates at the inaugural session at Central Prison, Ajmer, Rajasthan

The workshop concentrated in particular on the difficulties faced by those held in pre-trial detention to stress how long term convicts can assist with this. The long term convicts are in some way in-house legal resources. Their knowledge of processes on arrest, rights in jail, processes in court, can be of great value in ensuring that legal rights are accessed and prisoners do not unnecessary remain incarcerated. As the IBJ mandate is to provide access to justice, we started with the most common question- “What is law and what is an ideal jail?” Many hands were raised to answer. Next obvious question was, “Do you know about your rights in prison are?” Very few were able to answer this question. Ajay Verma explained the various rights of the prisoners, which includes right to a fair and speedy trial. He emphasized that fair trial is the essence of India’s criminal justice system. Arbitrarily depriving an individual of their liberty is violation of the human rights and right to freedom given by our Constitution to every person. Hence, nobody has the right to put anyone in the prison, to keep there, without any good reason. It is the right of the detainee to raise his/her voice against any wrongful treatment and torture. Those who have been the victim of unlawful arrest have an enforceable right to compensation.

Mr. Ajay Verma, Advocate introducing the purpose of the workshop and explaining their rights and duties

The IBJ Team explained the procedures of first appearance and remand to the prisoners. It is the right of a person who is arrested or detained in custody to be produced before the nearest Magistrate within a period of twenty-four hours of such arrest. No one shall be detained in custody beyond that period without the permission of the Magistrate. The prisoner should be able to get help with keeping their home or job and keeping in touch with their family. They should be able to get help carrying on their business from prison. Remand prisoners are supposed to be treated as if they are innocent until proven guilty. This session discussed the procedures which must be utilized to deliver a fair trial and justice. Right to speedy trial is an essential part of fundamental right. According to article 21, no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure laid by law. Any delay in trial should be seen as miscarriage of law. The cases pending for years create mental and economic pressure on litigants. Right to speedy trial is the right of the accused and it encompasses all the stages, namely investigation, inquiries etc. A right to fair trial is an essential right respecting the rule of law. It is the right of the defendant to be tried before an impartial jury who on considering the evidences against defendant, decide whether to find him or her guilty of the crime charged. The magistrate should hear the case within the reasonable time. If there is no counsel for the defendant, the magistrate should appoint a counsel. The convicts were also trained on the procedures of parole, bail, legal aid etc. Legal aid is no longer a matter of charity but is one of the constitutional rights. Each person is entitled to free legal aid from the point of arrest. If a prisoner is sentenced to imprisonment is unable to exercise his constitutional right for want of legal assistance, the court has the power to assign, under article 142 read with article 21 and 39-A of the constitution, counsel for such imprisoned individual.

Liberty of every citizen must be zealously safeguarded by courts. Basic rule should be “bail and not jail.” Yet where there are circumstances suggestive of the accused fleeing the course of justice, or possibility of his repeating offences, then he can be denied bail. Once the accused is prepared to furnish bail, the police officer or the court before which he offers to give bail is bound to release him on such terms. Also the terms of the bail are to be reasonable. If a person during the period of investigation or trial undergoes detention for a period extending up to one half of the maximum period of imprisonment specified for that by law, he shall be released by the court on his personal bond with or without sureties. This provision does not extend to offences for which the punishment is life imprisonment or death.

The last part of the session worked to ensure that the inmates were treated more humanely and are provided with at least the minimum standard of living. The prisoners have certain rights when they are sent to judicial custody including: right against solitary confinement, handcuffing and bar fetters, and protection from torture etc.  The convicted prisoners have the right to employment within the jail and wages should be paid accordingly. Every prisoner has the right to an adequate standard of living. They have the right to food, clothing, and proper accommodation at an adequate level. The children in the prison have the right to education and proper upbringing. It is the human right of a person to live their life with respect and dignity. It is the right of the prisoner to be informed of the rules and regulations of the prison. No prisoner shall be stopped from practicing their own religion and every prisoner shall be allowed to satisfy the needs of his religious life. Visits to prisoners by family and friends are a solace in insulation and only a dehumanized system can derive vicarious delight in depriving prison inmates of this humane amenity. Every basic necessity of life shall be provided to the prisoners so that they could have minimum standard of living.

The long standing goal of this two day workshop was to train the convicts to be resources for the prison administration and expedite the judicial process for the inmates in need. This was in tandem with IBJ’s efforts to empower and strengthen the core of the criminal justice system in order to secure respect for legal rights.

We are grateful for the enthusiastic cooperation of the prison authorities. We are looking forward to conducting future events.

Ajay Verma Advocate speaking on Bail

On December 4, 2014 the IBJ India team visited Central Tihar Jail No. 6 in New Delhi to interact with jail inmates and conduct a Legal Awareness Camp inside the Mulahiza Ward (i.e. First Time Offenders Ward). The team consists of Ajay Verma (Fellow & Advocate), Pankhuri A. Mehndiratta (Advocate) and Trishna Mohan Kriplani (Advocate).

The Tihar Jail #6 houses a total of 642 (exclusively women) inmates according to its latest figures, among which there are 29 foreign nationals. A staggering 73% of the entire prison population (472 prisoners) is under trial. This statistic once again sheds light on the issue of overcrowding almost all prisons in India with mainly under trial population. The rules under the Delhi Jail Manual and Delhi Prisons Rules (2000) permit women inmates to keep their children with them until they attain the age of six years. In line with this provision, there are 44 children who are housed in the Tihar Jail # 6 complex as well.

The session was interactive and was received very positively by the inmates and prison administration alike. The IBJ India team identified a number of critical issues that needed intervention. Firstly, there are some issues involving legal documents of prisoners allegedly being stopped from leaving the premises by jail authorities when they are transferred to court. The prison’s Superintendent also noticed the jail inmates’ concern regarding this issue.

Secondly, IBJ India noted a deep-rooted sense of anxiety amongst inmates about the law procedures where the lawyers appointed by the Legal Aid services are perceived to be ‘sarkari’ (government) lawyers. In prisoners’ perceptions, these lawyers collude with state authorities to make them punish more stringently. As Legal Aid services are ultimately government funded, inmates were interested to find out whether they are inclined towards working in favor of the government and against inmates’ interests. Prisoners were then properly informed about the structure of Legal Aid of Government of India, Delhi State Legal Services Authority and also about IBJ’s work in providing access to effective lawyers.

Pankhuri Mehndiratta, Advocate interacting with females in custody

The IBJ India team identified certain cases that required its intervention and has taken them up to be pursued by IBJ’s pro bono task force that actively works in trial courts. IBJ India continues to benefit from the support of the prison administration and strives to ensure the minimization of torture and prison overcrowding. The employed strategy here is early access to legal counsel and advocating the right to bail.

Question Answer Session

]]> http://www.ibj.org/2014/10/empowerment-through-awareness-ibj-indias-intitiative-at-central-prison-no-7-at-tihar/ Wed, 29 Oct 2014 09:21:55 +0000 http://www.ibj.org/?p=12718 Pankhuri A. Mehndiratta

29 October 2014

IBJ India Team at the Awareness Camp

On the 13^th of August 2014, a team of IBJ India lawyers visited Tihar Jail #7. The jail is part of Asia’s largest prison complex, housing young offenders who are in conflict with the law and are between the ages of 18 to 21 years.

The jail house as many as 862 adolescent inmates, most of whom are being tried for petty offences and awaiting their release on bail. An overwhelming number of detainees lack the basic awareness of whether or not their offence is bailable. This in turn leads to overcrowding in jails and detention centers all over the country.

Under the Indian Criminal and Procedural Laws, young offenders (between 18 to 21 years) are entitled to the same protection of law and access to fair trial as an adult offender. Section 167 of the Code of Criminal Procedure entitles inmates to a statutory bail in cases where no charge sheet has been filed against them by the police authorities. The statutory right to bail accrues within a period of 60 days upon certain administrative failures. This occurs in the failure of the police agency to file a charge sheet for an offense punishable for up to 10 years in prison, as well as when charge sheets fail to be filed for a case within 90 days, punishable with imprisonment for more than 10 years and up to life.

Young undertrial prisoners participating in the Awareness Camp

Though most of the inmates were between the ages of 18 to 21 years, there were still some who claimed to be under the age of 18 years and had a dearth of documents to prove their true age. The team of IBJ India lawyers consisting of IBJ India Fellow Mr. Ajay Verma, Mr. Ajay Raghav, Pankhuri A. Mehndiratta, along with advocates and interns, were able to identify a few inmates who were languishing in the prison without any legal representation due to reasons such as indigence and lack of legal awareness.

IBJ fellow Mr. Ajay Verma led an interactive legal awareness session on the topic of ‘The Rights of the Undertrial Prisoners’, ‘The Provisions of Bail,’ and ‘The Need to Ascertain the Age of the Detainees at the Time of Arrest.’ These sessions were conducted through the means of an age memo in order to rule out the possibility of juveniles being tried by the adult criminal justice system.

Ajay Verma, IBJ Legal Fellow, speaking with an inmate

The representatives of IBJ India were received warmly by the prison authorities and inmates alike, and saw a forthcoming response from the gathering of about 100-120 inmates who were eager to receive support in any manner possible.

Legal awareness camps and workshops such as this one go a long way in empowering the inmates through information and awareness about their legal rights. Such awareness raising activities also dissminate information regarding the course of the trial and the ideal course of interaction between individuals in the criminal justice system.

Intern Solange Pittet sits with IBJ India Legal Fellow Gulika Reddy for International Bridges to Justice’s first official podcast! Visiting Geneva for the annual curators meeting of the Global Shapers Community, Gulika was able to meet with the IBJ Geneva team and share some of her personal experience working as a criminal defense lawyer in India.  Hear all about her work with IBJ, most challenging cases, and hopes for the future: IBJ Gulika Interview

Read more about Gulika and her work here: http://ibj.org/Team_India.html