Project 39A Transitions to NALSAR as The Square Circle Clinic: A New Chapter in Criminal Justice Reform

Introduction

Project 39A, a pioneering initiative in criminal justice reform, has announced its transition from the National Law University Delhi (NLU Delhi) to the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad. Starting March 31, 2025, the team will operate under a new identity, The Square Circle Clinic, with offices in Delhi, Hyderabad, Nagpur, and Pune. This move marks the end of over a decade-long association with NLU Delhi and ushers in a fresh chapter for the organization’s impactful work in criminal justice.

What is Project 39A?

Project 39A was established at NLU Delhi in 2014 as a research and legal aid program inspired by Article 39-A of the Indian Constitution. This constitutional provision promotes equal access to justice by removing economic and social barriers. The project has focused on critical issues such as:

• Death Penalty Representation: Providing pro bono legal assistance to death row prisoners.
• Criminal Justice Research: Conducting empirical studies on topics like torture, mental health, forensics, sentencing, and incarceration.
• Public Advocacy: Raising awareness through storytelling initiatives and prison art education.

Over the years, Project 39A has achieved significant milestones, including 26 acquittals and 50 commutations for death row prisoners. Additionally, its collaboration with District Legal Services Authorities has resulted in the release of over 1,625 undertrial prisoners from Pune and Nagpur Central Prisons.

The Transition to NALSAR

Reasons for the Move

The decision to relocate to NALSAR Hyderabad stems from a desire to expand the scope of their work and forge new partnerships. In an official statement, the team expressed gratitude to NLU Delhi for its support over the years while emphasizing their commitment to advancing criminal justice reform under their new banner.

New Identity: The Square Circle Clinic

Under its new name, The Square Circle Clinic, the organization aims to broaden its impact while maintaining its core mission of equal access to justice. The clinic will continue its research and representation efforts while exploring innovative approaches to address systemic issues within India’s criminal justice system.

Expanded Presence

With offices now in four cities—Delhi, Hyderabad, Nagpur, and Pune—the clinic is strategically positioned to enhance its outreach and effectiveness. This geographical expansion underscores its commitment to addressing diverse challenges across different regions.

Core Areas of Work

The Square Circle Clinic will build upon Project 39A’s legacy by focusing on several key areas:

1. Legal Representation: Continuing pro bono services for marginalized individuals, particularly those facing capital punishment.
2. Research and Advocacy: Conducting interdisciplinary studies on topics like custodial violence, mental health in prisons, forensic science applications, and sentencing policies.
3. Education and Awareness: Promoting public discourse through storytelling initiatives and prison art education programs.
4. Policy Reform: Collaborating with stakeholders to influence policy changes that align with constitutional values of justice and equality.

Achievements of Project 39A

Before transitioning to NALSAR, Project 39A made remarkable contributions to India’s criminal justice landscape:

• Death Penalty Cases: Secured acquittals or commutations for numerous individuals on death row.
• Undertrial Prisoner Representation: Facilitated the release of over 1,600 undertrial prisoners through legal aid initiatives.
• Empirical Research: Published groundbreaking studies on various aspects of criminal justice, including forensic psychiatry and sentencing practices.

These achievements highlight the project’s dedication to addressing systemic injustices while advocating for humane reforms.

Challenges Ahead

While the move presents exciting opportunities for growth, it also comes with challenges:

1. Maintaining Independence: Ensuring that research remains unbiased amidst collaborations with external organizations.
2. Scaling Operations: Expanding outreach without compromising quality or focus.
3. Navigating Regional Differences: Adapting strategies to address unique challenges in different states.

Vision for the Future

As The Square Circle Clinic begins its journey at NALSAR Hyderabad, it aims to deepen its impact by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative solutions. The clinic envisions a criminal justice system that upholds fairness and equality for all citizens while addressing systemic barriers that perpetuate injustice.

Conclusion

The transition of Project 39A from NLU Delhi to NALSAR Hyderabad marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts toward criminal justice reform. With its new identity as The Square Circle Clinic, the organization is poised to continue its transformative work while exploring new avenues for impact. By combining rigorous research with effective legal representation and public advocacy, it stands as a beacon of hope for marginalized communities seeking justice.

As this new chapter unfolds, The Square Circle Clinic reaffirms its commitment to Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of equal access to justice—a vision that remains as relevant today as it was when Article 39-A was enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

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