All India Bar Examination (AIBE) 17-XVII Previous Year Question Papers with Answers

Practice Mode:
5.

In Hussainara Khatoon Vs. State of Bihar, _____emerged as a basic fundamental night.

A: Right to Speedy Justice
B: Right to Clean Environment
C: Right to Free Legal Aid
D: None of these

The answer is: A

Explanation

The correct option is A: Right to Speedy Justice.

In Hussainara Khatoon vs. State of Bihar, the Supreme Court held that the right to speedy trial is a fundamental right of every citizen under Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The court also observed that the right to speedy trial includes the right to free legal aid for the poor and indigent accused who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. The court ordered the release of several undertrial prisoners who had been languishing in jails for years without any trial or bail. The court also directed the state governments to take steps to ensure that the right to speedy trial is not violated and that the undertrial prisoners are given adequate facilities and treatment. The case was a landmark judgment that highlighted the plight of the undertrial prisoners and the need for judicial reforms in India.