A suspect’s access to a lawyer is being permitted as per a police circular gazetted in May 2012, pursuant to a Supreme Court order in a case in which police were accused of not cooperating with suspects’ lawyers.

As per the government amendment, legal assistance can be sought only after the police recorded a statement from the suspect.

The amendment does not say as to how long the process of recording a statement should last.

Legal experts express concern, noting this amendment in light of the fact that many suspects endure torture, go missing or even face death while in the custody of the police.

The Human Rights Commission has described this as a violation of fundamental rights.