The Supreme Court of India has expressed concern over the poor quality of translations of documents for filing appeals in legal aid matters. The court has directed high courts across the country to examine and decide the issue within four weeks.
A bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and N Kotiswar Singh passed the direction while approving a Standard Operating Procedure for translation and transmission of records for filing legal aid appeals.
The court said that the poor quality of translation has engaged the attention of the court on several occasions, indicating a need for structural change. The bench directed that a copy of the order be placed before the learned Chief Justice of the High Court for necessary consideration and appropriate action.
The apex court said that while implementation of the SOP is left to the wisdom of the high courts, the timelines mentioned shall be treated as binding. The court also directed that a status report be filed by all concerned institutions, including the National Informatics Centre, by April 30, 2026.
The court emphasized the importance of legal aid in ensuring equality before the law and making legal protection meaningful. It said that legal aid helps ensure that rights are not confined to those who can afford legal representation, but is available to all, including the poor and marginalized.
The court also highlighted the role of legal aid in reducing structural inequalities and protecting vulnerable groups from exclusion and exploitation.
