Hussainara Khatoon & Ors. v. Home Secretary, State of Bihar

The Hussainara Khatoon & Ors. v. Home Secretary, State of Bihar (1979) is a landmark case in the annals of Indian judiciary, marking a turning point in the protection of undertrial prisoners’ rights and the evolution of legal aid as a constitutional mandate.

Background

The case arose from a writ petition highlighting the appalling conditions of undertrial prisoners in Bihar. Many detainees had spent years in jail without trial, often exceeding the maximum sentence prescribed for their alleged offences. This gross violation of their fundamental rights under Article 21 prompted judicial intervention.

Key Issues

  1. Right to Speedy Trial: Was the prolonged detention of undertrial prisoners unconstitutional?
  2. Access to Legal Aid: Did the absence of free legal representation deny justice to economically weaker prisoners?

Judgment

The Supreme Court, led by Justices P.N. Bhagwati and D.A. Desai, held that:

  • Speedy Trial: Recognized as a fundamental right under Article 21. Prolonged detentions without trial were deemed unconstitutional.
  • Legal Aid: Free legal representation was declared integral to a “reasonable, fair, and just” procedure.

Systemic Reforms Ordered

  • Immediate Release: Directed the release of prisoners detained beyond the maximum sentence for their charges.
  • Legal Aid Programs: Mandated the introduction of nationwide legal aid schemes.
  • Judicial Reforms: Urged states to expedite pending trials and improve court infrastructure.

Significance

The Hussainara Khatoon judgment was a milestone in judicial activism, reinforcing that justice delayed is justice denied. It underscored the State’s responsibility to uphold the rights of marginalized individuals, ensuring access to legal aid and timely justice.

This case remains a testament to the judiciary’s role in addressing systemic inequities and protecting the right to life and liberty enshrined in the Constitution.


Also read – Navtej Singh Johar v Union of India

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Legal Internship at Shreya Rao & Associates, Bangalore (Tax & Private Client Law | 2 Positions | Paid Internship)

Legal Internship at Shreya Rao & Associates is a boutique Indian law firm specializing in tax and private client law, offering tailored solutions to domestic and international clients. Based in Bangalore, the firm is widely respected for its values-driven practice, technical expertise, and personalized approach to handling sensitive legal and financial issues. The practice focuses on cross-border transactions, succession planning, estate structuring, and high-value tax advisory for individuals, families, and businesses.

Unlike large law firms where interns may feel like a small part of a big system, Shreya Rao & Associates ensures that every intern is directly exposed to substantive legal work and meaningful professional development. This internship is designed as an assessment program, meaning that interns are not only trained but also evaluated as potential future associates of the firm.

Internship Location

The internship will be conducted in-person at the firm’s Bangalore office. Interns are expected to work on-site and engage with the team on client-related as well as academic and policy-driven matters. This offline setup ensures better interaction, mentorship, and exposure to the professional culture of a boutique law practice.

Position Details

Role: Legal Intern
Duration: 1 month (Assessment Internship)
Vacancies: 2 interns per month (ensuring focused mentorship)
Mode: Full-time | Onsite | Bangalore
Stipend: ₹10,000 per month

This selective intake model ensures individual attention, quality feedback, and access to real client assignments.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for this internship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Law students currently in their 4th or 5th year of a five-year integrated LL.B. program from a recognized law school in India.
• Strong foundation in core legal principles and a generalist outlook, with the ability to apply knowledge across diverse matters.
• Specific interest in taxation law and private client advisory. Students with an understanding of tax fundamentals will be preferred.
• Willingness to contribute to both client-facing and non-client work, including research projects, pro-bono initiatives, and academic writing.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and committed to working in a rigorous professional environment.

This program is designed for students who are serious about building a career in niche practice areas and who value hands-on mentorship in a focused setting.

Key Responsibilities

Interns at Shreya Rao & Associates are given significant responsibility and exposure. Selected candidates will work on:

• Research & Drafting: Conducting in-depth legal research on taxation, estate planning, and private client law; preparing drafts of legal opinions, contracts, and advisory notes.
• Client Assignments: Supporting the team in real client cases, preparing briefs, and assisting in developing tailored legal solutions.
• Legislative & Policy Projects: Assisting in policy-related work, providing insights into evolving tax frameworks and governance issues.
• Academic & Pro-Bono Work: Contributing to articles, publications, and knowledge-sharing initiatives while engaging in meaningful pro-bono assignments.
• Direct Mentorship: Working closely with the core team and receiving continuous feedback to improve research, writing, and analytical skills.

Why Join Shreya Rao & Associates?

Choosing this internship offers more than just work experience—it provides a launchpad for your career in boutique practice.

• Selective Program: Only 2 interns are selected per month, guaranteeing high-quality mentorship.
• Hands-On Exposure: Work on substantive assignments instead of routine clerical tasks.
• Skill Development: Build expertise in tax law, private client practice, estate planning, and policy advisory.
• Career Pathway: The firm recruits associates exclusively from its intern pool, making this internship the only entry point to a full-time position.
• Competitive Stipend: ₹10,000 reflects recognition of meaningful contributions.
• Holistic Experience: Exposure to client advisory, legislative, academic, and pro-bono projects, ensuring a well-rounded legal learning journey.

For students interested in boutique practice and niche areas like tax and succession law, this internship provides an unmatched opportunity for growth.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply by sending their updated CV to:

Email: internships@sra.law

Subject line: Application for Legal Internship – Shreya Rao & Associates (Bangalore)

Applications will be reviewed carefully, and responses will be shared within 3 weeks. Due to the highly selective intake, applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance.

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