Telangana High Court Judges Emphasise Role Of Community Mediation Centres At Legal Services Day Event
Fareedunnisa Huma
13 Nov 2024 1:31 PM IST
In celebration of Legal Services Day, the Telangana State Legal Services Authority (TSLSA) organized a comprehensive legal awareness programme at Ambedkar Bhavan, Hanumakonda, highlighting the importance of accessible legal aid and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Justice Sujoy Paul of Telangana High Court and Executive Chairman of TSLSA, inaugurated the event which saw participation from key judicial and administrative officials, including district judges, collectors, and police commissioners from Warangal and Hanumakonda districts.
Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya, addressing the gathering virtually, emphasized the critical role of Community Mediation Centres in resolving matrimonial disputes, citing successful examples from Kamareddy and Nizamabad districts. She underscored that legal services are essential for ensuring equality, dignity, and fraternity among citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status.
During the event, Justice Paul distributed cheques to Self Help Group women, sanctioned by the District Rural Development Agency, aimed at empowering disadvantaged communities. The programme also saw the distribution of marriage incentives to couples where one partner was differently-abled, alongside the provision of wheelchairs and tricycles to physically disabled persons.
In a notable gesture, Special Magistrate Namala Ashok donated 25 iron cots to the Observation Home for Boys in Warangal. Additionally, the KSM Foundation sponsored computers for deaf and dumb children to support their education.
The Member Secretary of TSLSA highlighted the role of Para Legal Volunteers and encouraged Asha workers and Anganwadi teachers to enroll as volunteers to help identify and report cases of child labor and child marriage.
Recalling historical context, officials noted that free legal aid has been a part of India's legacy since the independence movement, citing the example of prominent lawyers like Bhulabhai Desai and Jawaharlal Nehru who provided pro bono services during the INA trials.
The event, marking the anniversary of the Legal Services Authorities Act coming into force, was attended by Anganwadi teachers, Asha workers, Self Help Group members, advocates, law students, and representatives from various welfare departments. Different government departments also set up information stalls to raise awareness about their schemes and services.
