GK Question

polity medium true_false

The Right to Free Legal Aid is a Fundamental Right under Article 21 as interpreted by the Supreme Court.

  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

In Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar (1979) and subsequent cases, the Supreme Court held that free legal aid to indigent accused is part of 'reasonable, fair, and just procedure' under Article 21. This was later codified in Article 39A (Directive Principle) and the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, establishing free legal aid infrastructure.

Topic Fundamental Rights
Exam Relevance Judicial interpretation question for UPSC and SSC; tests expansion of Fundamental Rights