Details of the Organization

Project 39A is a formal part of NLU Delhi and undertakes research and pro bono litigation efforts on issues concerning the criminal justice system in India. This effort is inspired by Article 39-A of the Indian Constitution and uses empirical research as an integral part of re-examining the criminal justice system. In its current scope of work, Project 39A aims to trigger new conversations on legal aid, torture, forensics, mental health and criminal law, and the death penalty.

Research: The research efforts lay significant emphasis on fieldwork and empirical analysis. Efforts involve work on various aspects of the following issues: 

• Forensic science with a particular focus on DNA forensics 
• Legal aid in the criminal justice system 
• Mental Health and criminal justice 
• Torture 
• Administration of the death penalty 

Litigation: To ensure competent pro bono legal representation for prisoners sentenced to death in various parts of India, irrespective of the crime.

Details of the Job/Internship

Project 39A is keen to develop a robust and rewarding internship programme that will provide meaningful exposure to the complexities and nuances of the criminal justice system in India. Towards that aim, they are pleased to introduce their second internship policy, under which they seek to accept interns on a rolling basis from March 2023 to March 2024.

Duration

Internships are full-time and for a period of minimum 4 weeks to a maximum of 12 weeks. Candidates must indicate the exact dates in their application. Interns shall be based out of our offices on the NLU Delhi campus in Sector14, Dwarka, New Delhi 100078. 

While applications for part-time interns are considered, there is a strong preference for full-time interns. Part-time interns, if selected, are required to intern for a minimum of 12 weeks.

Remuneration

Interns will be paid a stipend of Rs 10,000/- (Rupees Ten Thousand Only) for every four weeks of internship. 

Interns on a part-time internship will be paid a stipend of Rs. 5,000/- (Rupees Five Thousand Only) for every four weeks of internship.

Areas of Work

• Administration of the death penalty (litigation and research)
• Forensic science with particular focus on DNA forensics
• Legal aid in the criminal justice system
• Mental health and criminal justice
• Torture

Important Dates

• Project 39A reserves the right not to fill internship positions. 
• All applicants are required to apply two months prior to the first of the proposed month of internship. 
• Interns for a specific month will be finalized and intimated 6 weeks before the commencement of the month. Only successful applicants will be contacted. 
• Project 39A will not bear travel and accommodation expenses incurred by the interns during the period of the internship. 
• Project 39A works on behalf of all prisoners sentenced to death, regardless of the offence involved. 
• This internship programme is supported by grants received by Project 39A. 
• Students based in Delhi interested in a part-time internship while pursuing their undergraduate or postgraduate courses may follow the procedure outlined above, specifying in the relevant dropdown their interest in applying for such a position. 
• Project 39A has resumed physical internships for interns who are based in Delhi. Students also have the option to travel to Delhi to participate in a physical internship if you are not from Delhi (though this is not mandatory.

Role and Responsibilities

Candidates will be asked to undertake tasks that may involve assisting with litigation activities, research projects or initiatives in public outreach. While the organisation shall attempt to account for the interests expressed by the interns, it reserves the right to allocate tasks as it deems fit as per its requirements. All members of Project 39A undertake administrative duties and therefore interns will also be expected to assist in administrative matters. Interns will be required to observe the working hours of Project 39A and work from its offices only.

Eligibility

Law students can apply.

Salary/Stipend

5000-10000

Type of Opportunity

Fulltime

Country

India

State

Delhi

City

New Delhi

Address

Pocket 1, Sector 14 Dwarka, Dwarka, Delhi, 110075

Dates to Remember

Timeline

Applications are due at least two months before the first day of the proposed month of internship. For example, if your proposed date of internship is 15 January, please apply two months prior to 1 January, i.e. before 1 November.

Only successful applicants will be contacted at least 6 weeks before their internship start date. If you do not hear from them, please assume that your application has not been successful. Due to the high volume of applications, communication via phone or email will not be entertained in this regard.