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The Supreme Court has sharply criticized the Uttarakhand government over systemic failures in providing timely legal aid to Pramod Singh, a 37-year-old murder convict who has spent over 15 years behind bars and developed psychosis during imprisonment. The Bench, comprising Justices Sanjay Karol and NK Singh, directed the Principal Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand to personally explain the decade-long delay in filing the convict’s appeal and failure to ensure effective legal representation.

Singh was convicted in 2011 for the death of his mother and injuring his father and wife in a violent altercation. Despite his entitlement to free legal aid, no steps were taken to file an appeal against his life sentence until 2021, when the Uttarakhand Legal Services Committee intervened. Even then, the High Court at Nainital refused to suspend his sentence due to the gravity of the charges.

The Supreme Court heard arguments suggesting a misapplication of law, that the case should fall within Exception 4 to Section 300 of the Indian Penal Code, indicating culpable homicide rather than murder. It was also argued there was no motive or premeditation, and only interested witnesses supported the prosecution’s case.

The bench expressed concern for prolonged incarceration and mental health deterioration, referencing its own policy directions from In Re: Policy Strategy for Grant of Bail (2022) which advocate bail or premature release for life convicts who served over ten years. The matter is set for further proceedings, with direct accountability sought from state authorities regarding failures in accessing legal justice for marginalized prisoners.