Prisoners Right & Under Trial Support

Many undertrial prisoners remain in jail not because they are guilty, but because they do not have legal help, proper documents, or someone to guide their families. Nyay Sankalp Foundation works to protect the rights of such prisoners by providing free legal aid, case follow-ups, jail visits, and family support.
Our aim is to ensure that every undertrial gets fair treatment, timely hearings, and humane support, so no one suffers in jail due to delay, neglect, or lack of awareness.

Standing for Justice Behind Bars

Over 5.5 lakh prisoners are currently lodged in Indian jails (NCRB, 2023), out of which over 77% are undertrials – individuals awaiting trial, not yet proven guilty. Our NGO, Nyay Sankalp Foundation, works to ensure that no person remains behind bars due to lack of legal representation or awareness of their rights. We focus on constitutional guarantees of Article 21 (Right to Life and Liberty) and Article 39A (Free Legal Aid) to protect every undertrial’s dignity and due process rights.

Legal Aid and Case Support

We have provided free legal aid to over 3,000+ undertrial prisoners across various states, with a 62% success rate in bail or case disposal. Our legal volunteers and advocates visit district and central jails regularly, providing direct case tracking, filing bail applications, and ensuring fair hearing dates. Through legal representation and petition drafting, we have helped release many individuals who had spent more than the maximum punishment period in custody.

Documentation and Monitoring

We maintain detailed case documentation, filing records, and digital tracking to ensure no case is lost in the judicial backlog. Our “Undertrial Case Monitoring System (UCMS)” tracks bail status, hearing updates, and communication between jail authorities and family members. These efforts help bridge the gap between prisons, courts, and legal aid lawyers.

Advocacy for Prison Reform

India’s prisons are operating at 130% occupancy, leading to overcrowding and human rights issues. Our team advocates for speedy trials, use of technology in hearings, and bail reforms to reduce unjust detentions. We have submitted policy recommendations to state legal service authorities for introducing paralegal volunteers inside jails to assist undertrials directly.

Psychological and Social Counselling

Legal support alone is not enough; emotional and social rehabilitation is equally important. Through our “Sankalp Saathi Program”, we have conducted counselling sessions for over 800 prisoners, helping them reconnect with their families and rebuild confidence. We work with psychologists and social workers to help individuals prepare for reintegration into society post-release.

Women and Juvenile Undertrial Support

Nearly 4.5% of India’s prisoners are women, many accompanied by children under 6 years. We provide special legal and social aid to women prisoners, focusing on bail for mothers and rehabilitation after release. For juveniles, our foundation collaborates with Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) to ensure speedy inquiry and legal guidance for minors in conflict with law.

Capacity Building and Legal Awareness Inside Jails

We organize Legal Literacy Camps inside prisons to educate inmates about: Bail rights Legal aid entitlements Parole and remission rules Prison grievance redressal mechanisms Over 12,000+ inmates have attended these sessions in the past three years, creating a culture of legal self-awareness.

Collaborations and Institutional Partnerships

We work closely with District Legal Services Authorities (DLSA), State Legal Services Authorities (SLSA), and Human Rights Commissions to coordinate bail applications and case reviews. Partnerships with law universities and pro bono lawyers have expanded our outreach and ensured sustained case follow-up. Our data-driven reporting supports government efforts toward decongestion of jails and reformative justice.

Impact in Numbers

3,000+ undertrials assisted in legal representation 1,200+ bail orders obtained 800+ prisoners received counselling support 12,000+ inmates reached through legal awareness drives 30+ correctional institutions covered across 7 states

Vision Ahead

Our long-term goal is to build “Nyay Saathi – A National Legal Aid Network” connecting volunteers, advocates, and jail legal aid centers. We aim to reduce the average undertrial detention period by 30% in the next five years through technology, advocacy, and awareness. With continued support from partners, donors, and citizens, we strive to make justice truly accessible for those who need it most.

Quick Facts & Figures

  • 750+ Undertrial Cases Reviewed

    Comprehensive case evaluation and legal-status verification done for many inmates across various jails.

  • 320+ Prisoners Legal Aid

    Free legal representation offered for bail, case hearings, and appeals.

  • 580+ Family Members Assisted

    Help given to families in documentation, bail application support, and case follow-up guidance.

  • 100+ Jail Visits Conducted

    On-site visits for reviewing cases, prisoner welfare, and identifying legal issues.

  • 400+ Counseling & Rights Awareness Sessions

    Sessions conducted to inform prisoners and families about legal rights, bail processes, and documentation.

  • 150+ Successful Bail & Release Cases

    Undertrial prisoners helped to secure bail or early release when eligible.

  • 95% Case Monitoring & Follow-up Rate

    Almost all reviewed cases are tracked till resolution or next hearing — ensuring no case is left forgotten.

  • 30+ Legal-Aid Camp Drives Organized

    Periodic legal camps to assist undertrial prisoners in remote or overcrowded jails.

Your Donation Brings Hope and Fairness to Undertrials.

Help us continue providing free legal aid and representation to those waiting for justice inside prisons.