SRINAGAR: In compliance to the directions of JK Legal Services Authority, the District Legal Services Authorities across all the district of Kashmir today observed ‘Legal Services Day’ at their respective Court Complexes to promote legal awareness and ensure access to justice for all citizens, especially those from marginalised communities.
Through various initiatives and programs, this day seeks to empower individuals with knowledge about their legal rights and promote mechanisms for conflict resolution to foster a more equitable society.
It is worth mentioning that all the District Courts as part of the observance of Legal Services Day had initiated a week-long series of events culminating today, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to the delivery of justice, free legal aid, and legal awareness to the citizens.
At Srinagar, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar, marked the culmination of Legal Services Week with a resounding celebration of Legal Services Day today, at Crescent Public School, Naseem Bagh, Srinagar.
The event was held under the guidance of Jaffer Hussain Beg, Chairman DLSA (Principal District & Sessions Judge Srinagar), and under the supervision of Nusrat Ali Hakak, Sub-Judge/Secretary of DLSA Srinagar.
Chief Guest, Sub-Judge/Secretary DLSA Srinagar, delivered an impactful inaugural address, emphasizing the critical role of legal services in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all citizens. Her speech resonated with the audience, emphasizing the need for a society that prioritizes justice and equity.
Urba Rashid, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel, DLSA Srinagar highlighted the significance of Legal Services Day and shed light on the eligibility criteria for accessing free legal aid services.
The highlight of the program was a captivating skit performed by DLSA Srinagar’s Theatre Society ‘Awaaz,’ which focused on the essence of National Legal Services Day. Through powerful storytelling and impactful dialogue, the skit effectively conveyed the importance of legal services and their role in empowering individuals and communities.
Shabber Ahmed, Principal of Crescent Public School, also underscored the critical role of legal aid in fostering a society where justice prevails. His address emphasized the importance of educating future generations about their legal rights and responsibilities.
The program was attended by Shakeel Ahmed Dar, Chairman of Crescent Public School; Shabber Ahmed, Principal of Crescent Public School, Dr. Touseef Ahmed, Chairman of Kashmir Concern (NGO) and active participation from students, staff members of School, officials, Legal Aid Defence Counsels and para-legal volunteers of DLSA Srinagar, showcasing their enthusiasm and commitment to promoting legal awareness and to reaffirm the importance of accessible legal aid and justice for all.
Later, Secretary DLSA, Srinagar, also visited the Legal Literacy Club at Crescent Public School as part of the nationwide observance of National Legal Services Day.
At Anantnag, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Anantnag today celebrated National Legal Services Day at Town Hall Anantnag under the guidance of Tahir Khurshid Raina, Chairman DLSA (Pr. District & Sessions Judge) Anantnag.
The event highlighted the DLSA’s efforts to make legal help and awareness available to everyone in the community.
The program began with a video showcasing the DLSA’s various awareness activities over the past year, including the range of programs conducted to spread legal knowledge and help those in need.
The event brought together a diverse group, including members from the Social Welfare Department, Bar members, Legal Aid Defense Counsel, the Chief Medical Officer along with his team, representatives from the One Stop Centre, the Child Welfare Committee, Ten Investigating Officers, students from colleges and schools, ASHA workers, and several litigants. This gathering demonstrated the community’s commitment to promoting legal awareness and cooperation.
The chief guest, Additional District & Sessions Judge Anantnag addressing the gathering explained the important work done by Legal Services Authorities in providing legal assistance and awareness to underprivileged people, helping them understand and protect their rights.
Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, Zakir Hussain Lone also spoke about the importance of mediation as a quicker and more peaceful way to settle disputes, showing how the Legal Services Authority is working to resolve conflicts without lengthy court battles.
The event concluded with a ceremony to recognize outstanding contributions. Zubair Ashraf was awarded for being the Best Panel Lawyer, and Mr. Khursheed Ahmad Bhat was honored as the Best Jail Para Legal Volunteer. The DLSA also acknowledged the efforts of Zaiba Appa Institute, Ranibagh School, and the One Stop Centre Anantnag for their significant contributions to legal aid and community welfare.
Similarly, the National Legal Services Authorities Day was also observed by the Tehsil Legal Services Committee, Aishmugam.
At Budgam, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Budgam organized a commemorative event in celebration of Legal Services Day at the Conference Hall of the District Court Complex, Budgam.
The event was graced by the presence of the Principal District & Sessions Judge, Chairman DLSA Budgam. The event was further enriched by the participation of Judicial Officers of District Budgam, dedicated Penal Lawyers, LADCs and the hardworking Para Legal Volunteers and staff members of DLSA Budgam.
During the event, Chairman DLSA O.P Bhagat delivered a special address, emphasizing the significance of Legal Services Day. He also lauded the remarkable work accomplished by DLSA, Budgam in the year 2024.
He further stated that a series of awareness programs were organized throughout the year for creating a socially aware society. These programs have reached to the hearts and minds of our citizens, educating them on crucial legal and social issues such as child rights, women empowerment, and welfare schemes of the Government, the rights of senior citizens, combating drug abuse, preventing domestic violence, addressing child labor and upholding the principles of Juvenile Justice.
The series of events on National Legal Services Day stands as a testament to the tireless efforts of the entire DLSA team and their commitment to promoting the cause of justice and legal awareness.
At Ganderbal, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Ganderbal today celebrated National Legal Services Day at the Conference Hall, District Court Complex Ganderbal.
The programme was attended by Abdul Nasir, Chairman DLSA Ganderbal; Sheikh Babar Hussain, Secretary DLSA Ganderbal; Mahoor, Chairperson Tehsil Legal Services Committee, Ganderbal, Panel lawyers, LADCs of District Ganderbal, Social activist, staff and PLVs of DLSA Ganderbal.
On the occasion, Chairman DLSA Ganderbal in his presidential address emphasized the significance of the day by highlighting the role of legal service authorities in creating awareness among the public and stressed that the work of legal services intuitions is required to be conducted with sincerity, honesty and dedication.
He encouraged LADCs, panel lawyers, and PLVs to work together for providing accessible justice to all citizens, irrespective of colour, caste and creed.
Secretary DLSA highlighted the achievements of District Legal Services Authority Ganderbal, in providing free and competent legal aid services to marginalized and vulnerable sections of society.
Panel lawyer Adv. Burjeena Hamid, underscored the importance of legal awareness, benefits of Lok-Adalat, and the role of panel lawyers in empowering citizens to seek justice.
Sabiya and Zuha Sajad from Kashmir Law College and Khushboo from Vitasta Law College also shared their insights on the occasion and emphasized the significance of National Legal Services Day in promoting legal awareness and access to justice, especially in rural areas.
At Pulwama, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Pulwama under the Chairmanship of Naseer Ahmad Dar, Chairman DLSA (Pr. District & Sessions Judge), Pulwama and under the supervision of Mudasar Farooq Secretary DLSA Pulwama today organized an awareness programme while celebrating ‘Legal Services Day’ in collaboration with Government Degree College for Women Pulwama in the conference hall of the said college.
On this occasion, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Wani, Assistant Professor Department of Economics of Government Degree College for Women Pulwama delivered the special address and highlighted the efficacy of the event to the participants, regarding the ‘Legal Services Day’.
Dy. Chief LADC, Mehraj-ud-din Wani and Asst. LADC, Ashaq Hussain from DLSA Pulwama also spoke on the occasion regarding the legal aid services importance and role of Legal Services institutions at District and Tehsil level.
The importance of the concepts of free legal aid, pre-litigation, mediation, conciliations and arbitration were highlighted and emphasis was also laid on organizing a special awareness campaigns.
A handsome gathering of students, faculty members of the college, DLSA Staff and PLVs also participated in the said event.
Moreover the Legal Services Day was also celebrated by all the Tehsil Legal Services Committees of District Pulwama at their concerned quarters.
At Kulgam, the DLSA Kulgam today celebrated Legal Services Day at Town Hall, Kulgam under the Chairmanship of Aijaz Ahmed Khan Principal District and Sessions Judge (Chairman DLSA) Kulgam and under the guidance of Secretary DLSA, Kulgam Muzamil Ahmed Wani.
The programme was attended by Judicial Officers, Principal Magistrate Juvenile Justice Board, Bar Members, LADCs, Panel Lawyers, PLVs, Members of JJB and CWC, President of (NGO) The Noble Helping Hand Kulgam, Third Gender persons of District Kulgam, Staff members of DLSA and Judiciary, Kulgam and student of the GHSS, Kulgam.
On the occasion Chairman DLSA spoke about the importance of the Legal Services Day and distributed Assistance Kits with the Third Gender persons. He also focused on the role of Panel Lawyers and LADCs in providing competent Legal Aid to the beneficiaries.
There was a felicitation ceremony for recognition of the services provided by persons belonging to different fields pertaining to legal awareness and for acting as a bridge for proper rendering of services.
Secretary DLSA focused on different aspects of how legal awareness could be disseminated.
At Shopian, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Shopian today observed ‘National Legal Services Day’ at District Court Complex Shopian.
The events were organized under the supervision of Mehmood Ahmad Chowdhary, Chairman DLSA (Principal District & Sessions Judge) Shopian and the guidance of Mudasar Farooq, Secretary DLSA Shopian.
The aim of celebrating the day is to ensure free of charge, proficient Legal Services to weaker sections of the society as well as to make them conscious about their rights.
The programme was attended by CJM Sheikh Gowhar Hussain, Munsiff/JMIC Waseem Mirza, Additional Spl. Mobile Magistrate Rameen Rashid Khan, President District Bar Association Shopian Gowhar H. Wani, Secretary Bar, DLSA Staff, LADC Advocates, Panel Lawyers, Bar Members, PLVs, Anganwadi Workers and a large number of litigants present on the occasion.
Mehmood Ahmad Chowdhary, Chairman DLSA Shopian highlighted the important schemes of NALSA and the utility of Lok Adalat.
Secretary DLSA while appreciating the efforts of Para Legal Volunteers also emphasized the Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism as a great contribution towards dispute resolution. He also highlighted the importance of Lok Adalat and encouraged the concept of equality as the basis of social justice.
During the program, Deputy Chief LADC Rafie Ahmad and Secretary Bar also spoke about the observation of National Legal Services Day.
At Bandipora, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Bandipora today celebrated Legal Services Day at ADR Centre Bandipora.
The programme was held under the supervision of Incharge Chairman DLSA Bandipora, Susheel Singh and guidance of Secretary DLSA Bandipora, Iqbal Ahmad Akhoon.
The main objective of Legal Services Week was to communicate the availability of free legal aid services and empower individuals with the knowledge to access legal assistance when needed.
Speaking on the occasion, Additional District and Sessions Judge, Bandipora, Susheel Singh elaborated the concept LADCs in an interactive session with the Lawyers.
Secretary DLSA elaborated the concept of free Legal Aid Services and the role of Legal Services authority in an interactive session among the participants.
During the program, Lawyers actively engaged with the topics presented, highlighting their commitment to understanding and promoting legal aid.
The programme was attended by Officers/Officials, LADCs, Panel Lawyers, PLVs and other participants.
Moreover, another programme was conducted by TLSC Gurez in collaboration with the Child Development Project Office at Dak Bunglow Gurez under the supervision of Chairman TLSC Gurez, Mehak Mehboob.