The correct answer is (a) S. 304.
Section 304 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 provides for free legal aid to the accused in certain cases. The section states that “where the accused is unable to engage a pleader and the court is satisfied that he is not able to do so on account of his poverty, the court shall assign a pleader for his defence.”
The section further states that the pleader shall be paid such fees as may be fixed by the court. The fees shall be paid out of the legal aid fund established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
The section is important because it ensures that all accused persons, irrespective of their financial condition, have access to legal representation. This is a fundamental right guaranteed to all citizens under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
The other options are incorrect because they do not provide for free legal aid to the accused. Section 306 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 deals with the offence of abetment of suicide. Section 301 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 deals with the offence of murder. Section 302 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 deals with the offence of culpable homicide.