Filing Petition Under NALSA’s Free Legal Aid Program Without Convict’s Consent Misuse Of Process: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court ruled that filing petitions under NALSA’s Free Legal Aid Program without the convict’s consent amounts to misuse of judicial process. Legal aid ensures access to justice but cannot be invoked without the beneficiary’s authorization. The Court emphasized that representation must be voluntary and informed. It directed legal services authorities to ensure that convicts’ consent is explicitly obtained before any legal action, reinforcing discipline, fairness, and respect for autonomy in criminal justice.