Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 9: The Legal Services Institutions across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir today observed National Legal Services Day.
The main program was organized by District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Jammu under the patronage of Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Patron-in-Chief, J&K Legal Services Authority (JKLSA), Justice N Kotiswar Singh and Judge, High Court of J&K & Ladakh and Executive Chairman, JKLSA, Justice Tashi Rabstan. On the occasion, Chief Justice, N Kotishwar and Justice Tashi Rabstan were the chief guest and guest of honour, respectively.
In his inaugural address, the Chief Justice while appreciating the efforts of Legal Services Institutions said that the whole judicial system exists for the litigant public and a heavy duty lies on the shoulders of Judicial Officers, Lawyers, PLVs and other stakeholders to minimize the disconnect between the litigant and the legal system.
He said the Judiciary is struggling with backlog of huge pendency and the Legal Services institutions through the alternate modes has been able to help in reducing the same to a great extent. He asserted that Legal Services Institutions are a boon for the unrepresented and marginalized section of the society. The Chief Justice impressed upon all the Judicial Officers to deal with the litigant compassionately whose matters are before them and wipe out the tears in their eyes.
In his special address, Justice Tashi Rabstan gave a detailed account of the achievements of the Authority during the last one year. Mentioning about the holding of 19th All India Legal Services Authorities’ Meet held this year at Srinagar, Justice Tashi said that it was a great honour to hold such a mega event which was inaugurated by the Chief Justice of India Justice DY Chandrachud, Patron-in-Chief, NALSA.
Highlighting the record number of cases during three National Lok Aadalats conducted so far during this year, Justice Tashi said that out of 4 lakh cases that were taken up in these Lok Aadalats about 3 lakh cases were amicably settled and an amount of Rs. 173 crore was disbursed as compensation.
Principal District and Sessions Judge and Chairman DLSA, Jammu, Sanjay Parihar, highlighted the importance of Legal Services Day and traced the history behind the observance of this day.
Advocate Vikram Sharma, President Bar Association, Jammu, who was also present along with his team, assured to extend whole hearted cooperation by Lawyers fraternity for resolving the legal grievances of the litigant public and extend Pro Bono services to the marginalized and weaker sections of the society.
Meanwhile, National Legal Services Day was observed by DLSA Bhaderwah in the premises of Athkar Public Higher Secondary School Sartingal, Bhaderwah. Involving Para Legal Volunteers, Panel Lawyers and other stakeholders, DLSA Bhaderwah organized an awareness programme to celebrate the existence of Legal Services Institutions and to generate and spread awareness regarding their functions and activities particularly for the welfare of marginalized sections of the society. Secretary DLSA (Sub Judge) Ramash Lal was chief guest on the occasion whereas Principal of the School was guest of honour.
DLSA Udhampur under the guidance of its chairman Haq Nawaz Zargar (Principal District and Sessions Judge Udhampur) and overall supervision of Secretary DLSA Udhampur Ajay Kumar organized an awareness programme to commemorate National Legal Services Day. The general masses were made aware about the various NALSA schemes which were enacted for the benefit of the common people especially the underprivileged. On the occasion, Haq Nawaz Zargar along with all the Judicial Officers of District Court Complex Udhampur distributed blankets and other articles to the needy people at Wall of Kindness, Martyr Capt Tushar Mahajan Government Girl’s Higher Secondary School Udhampur. An awareness programme was also organized at District Jail Udhampur.
Dogra Law College, in collaboration with DLSA Samba, organized a legal awareness programme on the topic “Expanding Horizons of Access to Justice and the Role of Legal Services Institutions”. The purpose of the event was to commemorate the commencement of Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 which came into force on 9th November, 1995. The programme was presided over by Yesh Pal Kotwal, Chairman DLSA and Principal District and Sessions Judge Samba. Thakur Gulchain Singh Charak, former Minister and Chairman of Dogra Educational Trust, also spoke on the occasion. The event was graced by Rekha Kapoor Nischal, Secretary DLSA and Sub-Judge, Samba, besides Panel Lawyers.
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