The representative body of barristers in England and Wales yesterday criticised the decision of the bar associations of Saket and Delhi not to represent the men charged with the fatal gang rape of a 23-year-old student last month.

Horrendous crime

In a statement, the Bar Council acknowledged the ‘horrendous’ nature of the crime, but added: ‘The presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial are fundamental human rights, and cornerstones of democracy. Effective legal representation is a central component of a fair trial.’
The council said it has confidence in the Indian bar and its associations to respect the rule of law and ‘reflect those values’ by representing the accused ‘without fear or favour’.

Effective representation

Alex Bailin QC, who is based at London chambers Matrix, agreed, telling The Lawyer newspaper that the Indian bar’s current boycott was ‘completely wrong’. He continued:
‘Whatever the strength of evidence, everyone facing a criminal charge needs effective legal representation -- all the more so when the crimes are this serious.’