Intervention

Our representation of undertrial prisoners in Maharashtra has demonstrated the importance of bringing social work expertise to criminal defence, adapting the frameworks of ‘holistic defence’ and ‘anti-carceral social work’ for local contexts.

Intervention

Allowing our intervention In re: UTP Dipak Joshi, lodged in Dum Dum Central Correctional Home (WPA (P) no. 27 of 2021), the Calcutta High Court required us to submit a report on the status of prisoners with mental disabilities in prisons across West Bengal and the state of mental healthcare in prisons in the state.

Intervention

Since 2019, our Fair Trial Programme conducted in collaboration with the Maharashtra government, has secured the release of over 1,625 undertrials by providing pro bono legal representation in Pune and Nagpur Central Prisons.

Intervention

We have played a significant role in the law on the use and protocols of forensic evidence developing through judgments like Rahul & Ors. v. NCT of Delhi (November 2022) and Irfan @ Bhayu Mevati v. The State of Madhya Pradesh (June 2025).

Image of Maya Krishna Rao in a white outfit, mid-performance, expressively gesturing while seated on a dimly lit stage

Death row on the stage

Maya Krishna Rao is an Indian theatre artist and social activist. Her well-known plays include Om Swaha, Dafa No. 180, and Ravanama. She is a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2010), which she returned five years later. We collaborated with Rao to produce a performance titled, You Really Want to Know My Story, which brings to the forefront searing stories of two prisoners, who remain on the death row.

Storytelling
Abstract painting of a person against a colorful, textured background. Overlay text narrates a mother's dream and her son's acquittal by Kerala High Court.
Intervention

A Group of Lawyers Wants to Make Sure India’s Most Hated Criminals Aren’t Hanged

Dark, abstract painting of trees under a moonlit sky. Text reads, "Supreme Court acquits man sentenced to death based on a 'shabby investigation.'"
Research
Intervention

We have been involved in landmark Supreme Court cases that have shaped criminal law jurisprudence such as Vasanta Sampat Dupare v Union of India (August 2025), Manoj and ors. v. State of Madhya Pradesh (May 2022), In re: Inhuman conditions in 1382 prisons (December 2018), Rahul and ors. v. State of NCT of Delhi (November 2022), and Shabnam v. Union of India & Ors (May 2015).

Illustrated cover of "The Trial" featuring a night scene with geometric buildings stretching toward a distant arch, under a moonlit sky with clouds.

Languish zines

Storytelling
Colorful abstract art featuring various shapes and patterns forms the backdrop for a serious message about DNA evidence and legal proceedings.
Surreal painting by Remedios Varo featuring architectural structures with arched doorways. Overlay text describes a story of acquittal after 13 years in prison.

‘Jail Within A Jail’: Death Row And The Impact On Mental Health

Storytelling

In focus podcast: DNA evidence

Storytelling
Abstract image depicting a textured dark blue ocean-like scene with swirling waves. A white, misty orb on the right suggests a cosmic or dreamlike atmosphere.
Research
Circular stamp graphic with the word "DEATHWORTHY" repeated around the edges. Text in the center reads "A Mental Health Perspective of the Death Penalty.
Research
A person standing under a spotlight on a witness stand against a dark background.

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE: EXPERIENCING (IN)JUSTICE IN INDIA

Storytelling
Purple cover with large "2025" text. Includes logos and "Death Penalty in India: Annual Statistics Report" title.
Research
Text on an abstract painting background reads, "When at stake are human lives and the cost is blood, the matter needs to be dealt with utmost sincerity.": Supreme Court bench acquits Baljinder Kumar after 11 years in prison (5 on death row)." Artist: Lee Jung-seob.
Image of Former Justice S Muralidha speaking at a podium, with a text overlay: "Crime, Punishment and Justice in India".

Former Justice S Muralidhar's inaugural Annual Lecture

Storytelling
Abstract geometric painting with overlapping shapes in earth tones as background. Text states Kattevellai Devakar's acquittal after 14 years, 7 on death row.
Cover of report titled 'Legal Aid for Undertrial Prisoners: Report of the Fair Trial Programme in Pune and Nagpur (2019-2024).' Background features barbed wire design in orange. Logos of associated organizations at the bottom.
Research

Year After Dalit Cook’s Death In Tamil Nadu Police Custody, Family Faces Penury, As State Lapses Into Familiar Silence

Storytelling
Intervention

Our work has led to the Supreme Court recognising post-offense mental health concerns as a mitigating factor in death sentence cases in X. v. State of Maharashtra (April 2019).

Bold white text stating "Matters of Judgment" over a black background. A curved, rainbow-like distortion runs through the letters. Subtext mentions a judges' opinion study on the death penalty and criminal justice system, with a small logo at the bottom right.
Research
Image featuring three people in separate images on a black background. Text reads 'Making sense of custodial violence in Indian cinema.' Logos for NLU Delhi and Project 39A are at the top.

A Conversation with Vetrimaaran, Hansal Mehta & Anushka Shah on Custodial Violence in Indian Cinema

Storytelling
A person in a yellow protective suit and mask holds a swab near an evidence marker labeled "1." Text above reads "Things you must know about Forensic Science."
Research
Red cover titled "Magistrates & Constitutional Protections." Features a detailed sketch of a prison cell door. Authors: Jinee Lokaneeta & Zeba Sikora.
Research
Image of Anokhilal standing indoors, illuminated by warm light. Text reads, "On Death Row, Thrice.” BBC News India logo present.

Anokhilal's story

Storytelling
Intervention

The Clinic represents 60% of death row cases across the country, and has secured 33 acquittals and 53 commutations.

Intervention

Our Art in Prisons initiative in Puzhal Central Prison (Chennai), in collaboration with Sumanasa Foundation, enables access to creative art practices for incarcerated persons.

Intervention

We have played a significant role in the law on the use and protocols of forensic evidence developing through judgments like Rahul & Ors. v. NCT of Delhi (November 2022) and Irfan @ Bhayu Mevati v. The State of Madhya Pradesh (June 2025).

Abstract artwork by Tyeb Mehta featuring geometric shapes and a figure. Text overlay details a legal case about a 2025 Supreme Court decision.

Anthology - The Punished

Storytelling
Abstract painting with dark blue and purple hues by artist Shafic Abboud. Overlaid text states: "Supreme Court: 'There are gaping holes in the prosecution story.' Chandrabhan Sanap acquitted after ten years on death row."
Dark cover with illustrations of forensic tools: fingerprint, scissors, flask, magnifying glass, and handcuffs. Text: "Forensic Science India Report 2013-2017.
Research
Black cover with bold white and red text reads "Death Penalty India Report Summary." Features minimalist white brackets; by National Law University, Delhi.
Research
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Research
Intervention
Storytelling

Dummy page

The Square Circle Clinic is a criminal justice initiative at NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad with offices in Delhi, Pune and Nagpur. Our team built Project 39A between 2013-2025 and then founded The Square Circle Clinic in April 2025.

The Clinic combines over a decade of rigorous criminal justice research in India with sustained pro bono criminal defense in appellate and trial courts.
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