The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notices to the Centre, all states and Union territories on a public interest litigation seeking recognition of a fundamental right to have legal counsel present during interrogation by the police or other investigative agencies.

A bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran was hearing a plea filed by lawyer Shaffi Mather , who has sought to interpret this right as part of the constitutional guarantees under Articles 20(3), 21 and 22 of the Constitution.

At the outset, Justice Chandran asked senior advocate Maneka Guruswamy , appearing for the petitioner, whether the PIL included examples of coercion during interrogation.

“Are there instances of need for counsel in the petition,” Justice Chandran asked.

Guruswa

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