Project 39A, National Law University, Delhi

Inspired by Article 39A of the Indian Constitution, Project 39A is a criminal justice programme at National Law University, Delhi. We strive to bring reforms in India’s criminal justice system to ensure fair and equal access to justice for every individual. Our inception lies in rigorous empirical research carried out for the Death Penalty India Report published in 2014, which was a first-of-its kind report mapping the socio-economic profile of death row prisoners and their experiences with the criminal justice system. Since then, our body of work has developed to engage with five different themes in the Indian Criminal Justice System: ▪️Mental Health & Criminal Justice ▪️Forensics ▪️Death Penalty ▪️Legal Aid ▪️Prevention of Torture We believe in a multi-faceted approach combining interdisciplinary research, pro bono legal representation, communications, and capacity building across all areas. Our work endeavours to inform key stakeholders, policymakers, and the public about the realities of the criminal justice system and the requirements to make it more equitable.