Srinagar, Mar 4: A review meeting of the Legal Aid Defence Counsels (LADCs) was convened Wednesday at the District Court Complex Srinagar under the chairmanship of Haq Nawaz Zargar, Chairman District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) (Principal District & Sessions Judge), Srinagar in presence of Tabassum Qadir Parray, Secretary, DLSA Srinagar.
The meeting was held to evaluate the functioning, efficiency, and overall performance of the LADCs in delivering free and effective legal services to undertrial prisoners and other eligible beneficiaries, in line with the mandate of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 and the constitutional directive under Article 39A ensuring equal access to justice.
During the proceedings, Chairman DLSA emphasized the importance of timely legal intervention, particularly in cases involving undertrial prisoners and aged persons, and directed that priority be given to the recording of evidence in cases already assigned. The counsels were reminded of their responsibility to maintain proper records and to ensure that no eligible person is deprived of effective representation before the courts.
The Chairman stressed that access to justice is a constitutional right and urged the Legal Aid Defence Counsels to discharge their duties with dedication, professionalism, and sensitivity towards marginalized sections of society. He clarified that conviction should not be perceived as a failure of legal aid, but rather as part of the judicial process, and encouraged counsels to continue working diligently to secure fair trials and uphold the rights of the accused.
He further directed that, on a month-to-month basis, the progress of cases at both the Sessions and Magisterial levels, particularly those at the final stages where evidence has been completed and files are posted for arguments must be specifically reviewed.
Special attention was also drawn to bail matters, with instructions to ensure prompt follow-up in cases where bail has been granted but release has not yet taken place. The Chairman reiterated that the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System must serve as a robust mechanism to guarantee that no undertrial prisoner or indigent person is left without effective representation. By strengthening this framework, the District Legal Services Authority Srinagar seeks to reinforce the principle that justice must not only be done but must be accessible to all, especially the most vulnerable.
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