Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) took a significant stride forward by unveiling two transformative initiatives during the inaugural State Level Meet of Legal Aid Defence Counsels at Nyaya Sadan.
Key Initiatives
- Legal Aid for Pregnant Women Inmates: Recognizing the vulnerability of pregnant women inmates, JHALSA initiated a program to provide them with essential legal aid. This initiative aims to safeguard their rights and ensure access to justice during their time of need.
- Support for Seniors in Old Age Homes: In a bid to address the challenges faced by seniors in old age homes, JHALSA launched a six-week campaign to provide legal assistance and support. This initiative underscores the commitment to uphold the rights and dignity of the elderly population.
Judicial Perspectives
Esteemed high court judges, including JHALSA executive chairman Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad and Justice Ananda Sen, emphasized the crucial role of Legal Aid Defence Counsels (LADCs) and District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in advancing justice for the marginalized. Justice Dr. S. N. Pathak underscored JHALSA's obligation to provide relief to the underprivileged and marginalized sections of society, who often lack access to essential services.
Commitment to Access to Justice
Addressing the participants, Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad reiterated the fundamental objective of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, which is to ensure access to justice for all. He emphasized the genesis of the legal aid concept in enriching avenues of justice for marginalized communities and highlighted JHALSA's commitment to this cause.
JHALSA's initiatives reflect a concerted effort to empower the marginalized and ensure equitable access to justice in Jharkhand. By providing legal assistance to pregnant women inmates and seniors in old age homes, JHALSA demonstrates its unwavering commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of every individual, regardless of their socio-economic status.
