Master Class on Criminal Law and Justice Administration: Exploring Constitutional and Jurisprudential Wisdom

DAY 10: MASTER CLASS BY JUSTICE U. U. LALIT EVENT REPORT

Event Date: 7th January, 2025

Event brief description – Event Report: Day Ten of Former Chief Justice U. U. Lalit’s Lecture Series

On the tenth day of the lecture series, Former Chief Justice U. U. Lalit delved into significant legal principles and cases. He began with the Lalu Prasad Yadav v. State of Bihar, 2010, emphasizing its relevance. Justice Lalit highlighted the profound impact of the word "also" in legal contexts, demonstrating its interpretative importance in judgments.

He conducted an in-depth comparison between the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), focusing on various procedural aspects. Topics included the examination of complainants, insights from the Malimath Committee report, and the protocol for dealing with the accused, such as their right to know the charges and express their views. He explained the BNSS provisions on discharge, framing charges, and prosecution evidence, emphasizing improvements and limitations.

Justice Lalit discussed case progression, covering acquittals, police reports, and judgements, as well as the handling of petty cases where convictions may occur in the absence of the accused. He addressed procedural aspects like the attendance of detained persons, the language of courts, and the requirement that evidence must be taken in the presence of the accused.

Closing with the topic of legal aid, Justice Lalit cited Justice Krishna Iyer, stating, “Legal aid to the poor does not mean poor legal aid.” His discussion underscored the judiciary’s responsibility to ensure fair and equitable access to justice.

Event Detailed Description - Event Report: Day Ten of Former Chief Justice U. U. Lalit’s Lecture Series

The tenth day of Former Chief Justice U. U. Lalit’s lecture was an enlightening session, focusing on critical aspects of criminal jurisprudence and procedural reforms. He began by discussing the case of Lalu Prasad Yadav V. State of Bihar (2010). Justice Lalit elaborated on the legal intricacies of this case and how it set significant precedents in criminal law.

Justice Lalit emphasized the importance of the word “also” in legal interpretation, demonstrating how such seemingly minor terms can profoundly affect the meaning and

implications of legal provisions. His detailed explanation underscored the precision and care required in drafting and interpreting legal texts.

The lecture then moved to a detailed comparison between the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Justice Lalit started by explaining the examination of complainants and provided a brief reference to the Malimath Committee report, which proposed reforms in the criminal justice system. He discussed how the BNSS introduces changes to better address the rights and responsibilities of the accused.

Justice Lalit outlined that the accused has a fundamental right to know the charges levied against them and the reasons for those charges. He emphasized the accused’s right to share their perspective on these charges, ensuring a fair process. He discussed the concept of discharge, highlighting added limitations in the BNSS, and detailed the procedure for framing charges. The lecture also covered the procedural stages, including setting the date for prosecution evidence, presenting evidence for prosecution, and reaching a judgment of acquittal or conviction.

An important point discussed was the police report and its role in determining whether charges should be framed or dropped. Justice Lalit elaborated on the provision allowing conviction on a plea of guilty in the absence of the accused for petty cases, streamlining judicial efficiency. He also explained the process for the disposal of cases and managing the attendance of persons confined or detained in prisons, ensuring their rights are protected.

Justice Lalit further touched on the language of courts, emphasizing accessibility and understanding for all parties involved. He highlighted that evidence must be taken in the presence of the accused, a critical aspect of ensuring a fair trial. Regarding legal aid, Justice Lalit quoted Justice Krishna Iyer, stating, “Legal aid to the poor does not mean poor legal aid,” underlining the importance of quality legal representation for all, regardless of financial means.

DAY 11: MASTER CLASS BY JUSTICE U. U. LALIT EVENT REPORT

Event Date: 8th January, 2025

Event brief description – Event Report: Day Eleven of Former Chief Justice U. U. Lalit’s Lecture Series

The eleventh day of Former Chief Justice U. U. Lalit’s lecture series focused on the pattern and comparison of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Justice Lalit began by discussing the case of P. S. R. Sadhanantham v. Arunachalam (1980), elaborating on the significance of Article 21 and its interpretation in the Maneka Gandhi case. He highlighted the importance of the term “person aggrieved” in ensuring justice.

A detailed discussion on the Malimath Committee Report followed, focusing on its fundamental principles for reforming the criminal justice system. Key themes included truth and justice, the ethos of Satyameva Jayate, and the need for evidence regarding character in legal proceedings. He referenced the book “The Proof of Guilt” by Glanville Williams to emphasize a victim-centric approach. Justice Lalit also highlighted the challenges faced by investigating officers, the quality of investigations, and the necessity of balancing justice for victims with fair trials for the accused.

Justice Lalit further explained procedural aspects of the CrPC, such as the principle that no appeal lies unless otherwise provided, and the victim compensation scheme, aimed at providing relief to those harmed by crimes. He concluded the lecture by discussing the Prakash Singh case, which underscored the need for police reforms to uphold justice and maintain public trust.

Event Detailed Description - Event Report: Day Eleven of Former Chief Justice U. U. Lalit’s Lecture Series

The eleventh day of the lecture series by Former Chief Justice U. U. Lalit offered profound insights into the complexities of criminal procedure and justice reform. Justice Lalit commenced the session by drawing a detailed comparison between the pattern of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). He elaborated on the structural and procedural differences, emphasizing the gradual evolution of these laws to meet the demands of modern justice systems.

Justice Lalit then turned to the landmark case of P. S. R. Sadhanantham v. Arunachalam (1980). Using this case as a foundation, he explained the application and significance of Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. He connected this to the principles laid out in the Maneka Gandhi case, which broadened the interpretation of Article 21. He also highlighted the importance of the term “person

aggrieved” and its role in ensuring that justice is accessible to all individuals, not just directly affected parties.

A significant portion of the lecture was dedicated to an in-depth analysis of the Malimath Committee Report, a cornerstone document in criminal justice reform. Justice Lalit meticulously outlined the report’s recommendations, starting with its fundamental principles and the vision for a reformed criminal justice system. He emphasized the importance of aligning legal processes with the ideals of truth and justice, encapsulated by the phrase Satyameva Jayate. He discussed the inclusion of evidence regarding the character of the accused, as well as the challenges faced by investigating officers, particularly regarding the quality of investigations. Justice Lalit also referenced The Proof of Guilt, a seminal work by Glanville Williams, to underscore the necessity of achieving justice for victims and balancing the scales of justice.

Moving on to the CrPC, Justice Lalit highlighted key provisions, including the stipulation that no appeal shall lie unless otherwise provided by law. He also shed light on the victim compensation scheme, which aims to provide financial and moral redress to victims of crimes. This initiative reflects the justice system’s increasing recognition of victims’ rights as a critical component of the legal process.

Justice Lalit concluded with a discussion on the Prakash Singh case, which addressed systemic issues in police reforms. He noted that this case had a far-reaching impact on improving the functioning of law enforcement agencies, ensuring greater accountability, and fostering a more citizen-centric approach to policing.

Throughout the session, Justice Lalit emphasized the need for constant introspection and reform within the justice system. He stressed that while the laws and procedures provide a framework, their successful implementation depends on the commitment and integrity of all stakeholders. By weaving together historical judgments, systemic critiques, and visionary reforms, the lecture not only enriched the students’ understanding but also inspired them to reflect deeply on the role of law in shaping society.

Department Name – School of Law

Event Outcome -

The eleventh day of Former Chief Justice U. U. Lalit's lecture series provided students with a comprehensive understanding of the evolution and reform of India’s criminal justice system. Through discussions on landmark cases, the Malimath Committee Report, and comparisons between the CrPC and BNSS, students gained insights into the principles of justice, victims' rights, and procedural nuances. The emphasis on the importance of Article 21, quality investigations, and systemic accountability encouraged critical thinking. By linking theoretical frameworks to real-

world applications, the lecture equipped students with valuable legal knowledge, inspiring them to approach the justice system with a reformative and empathetic perspective.

Related Goal