Bihar State Legal Services Authority Virtually Inaugurates Legal Aid Defence Counsel System Across 36 Districts

In a virtual ceremony held on October 2nd, 2023, the offices of Legal Aid Defence Counsel were inaugurated across 36 out of 38 districts of Bihar.

The inauguration was presided over by Justice K. Vinod Chandran, Chief Justice Patna High Court and Patron-in-Chief, BSLSA, who virtually inaugurated the offices. Justice Chakradhari Saran Singh, JAD-1 Patna High Court and Executive Chairman, BSLSA, along with other esteemed Judges of Patna High Court, graced the inaugural ceremony.

The ceremony commenced with the dignitaries paying a floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, honoring his legacy and principles. Under the guidance of the Chief Justice and the visionary leadership of the Executive Chairman, a collaborative effort was undertaken by all District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in Bihar to establish these Legal Aid Defence Counsel offices. This initiative aligns with NALSA’s scheme of Legal Aid Defence Counsel system.

Legal Aid Defence Counsels appointed through this initiative will provide free legal defense to accused persons in custody and individuals entitled under section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, within the criminal justice delivery system.

The welcome address was delivered by Sri Rajesh Narayan Sewak Pandey, Member Secretary, BSLSA, expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts that led to the establishment of these offices.

The virtual inauguration was attended by the Registrar General of Patna High Court, officers of the registry, officials of BSLSA, officers of the Bihar Judicial Service, and other esteemed attendees.