A delegation of lawyers in Pune has recently met with SIG Jalindar Supekar to address their concerns regarding the time-consuming process of obtaining signatures on petitions from inmates in Yerwada Jail. The lawyers proposed the installation of a vakalatnama (attorney papers) box in the Shivajinagar court premises to simplify the process. This would allow the documents to be collected from the box in the court, with an appointed employee of the prison administration taking the signatures of the accused and returning them to the court the following day.
The lawyers argue that this approach would save them from making multiple trips to the overcrowded prison, which houses over 5,000 accused individuals. Currently, they have to submit the vakalatnama in a document box outside the main gate of Yerwada prison, where the authorities retrieve and have it signed by the inmates. Sometimes, it takes 48 to 72 hours for the document to be returned to the lawyers, causing delays in case proceedings.
Advocate Ganesh Mane emphasized the importance of expediting the process, as lengthy delays can negatively impact cases. He also highlighted the convenience of having a document box in the court, as lawyers are technologically savvy and could benefit from such a system.
SIG Supekar responded positively to the lawyers’ proposal and discussed the technical aspects of implementing a vakalatnama box in the court, an unprecedented move in Maharashtra. However, he expressed reservations about the feasibility of the suggestion, citing the need for prison officials to ensure the correct advocate represents each inmate, as the vakalatnama is case-sensitive. Supekar emphasized the importance of authentication, signature verification, and clarity, which can only be achieved through physical visits by the lawyers to the prison.
The delegation of lawyers remains hopeful for a positive outcome and plans to follow up on their demand. They believe that the installation of a vakalatnama box would not only save time and effort but also streamline the process for thousands of lawyers in Pune. While Supekar acknowledges the concerns raised by the lawyers, he is cautious about potentially compromising the intricate details and accuracy required in legal proceedings.
The installation of a vakalatnama box in court premises would alleviate the burden on lawyers, reduce delays, and enhance efficiency in the prison petition process. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen if this innovative proposal will be adopted in Pune’s legal system.
