Chief Justice exhorts law students to be advocates of change

Jammu, Dec 19: Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Patron-in-Chief, J&K Legal Services Authority, Tashi Rabstan, Thursday chaired an interactive session organised by the J&K Legal Services Authority in collaboration with DLSA Samba and Dogra Law College, Bari Brahmana.
The event was aimed at educating and empowering law students about their critical role in fostering justice, promoting awareness and addressing pressing societal challenges.
The Chief Justice was accompanied by M. K. Sharma, Principal Secretary and Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority.
R. N. Wattal, Principal District & Sessions Judge (Chairman DLSA) Samba, Rajesh Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Samba, Th Gulchain Singh Charak, Chairman, Dogra Education Trust, Sandeep Singh Sen, Secretary, DLSA Samba, Principal, Dogra Law College, Dean, Dogra Group of Colleges, besides other faculty members of the school were present on the occasion.
In her welcome address, Shuchi Sharma highlighted the importance of such interactive sessions in bridging gap between legal education and its practical application. She emphasised the need of nurturing socially conscious and professionally competent lawyers. He underlined that programs like this are crucial for instilling in students a deeper understanding of their responsibilities as future custodians of justice.
The Chief Justice, in his keynote address, appreciated the role of students and acknowledged their talent displayed through the skit. “Such initiatives particularly of the law students can prove a milestone in spreading awareness among the masses especially in rural areas, if they associate with the Legal Services Authority and reach to the last man standing in the queue” said Justice Tashi. He urged the student community to come forward and take proactive role in bringing the change in the society.
The Chief Justice directed the Legal Services Institutions to rope in the law students in their calendar of activities including Lok Adalats so that the future law practitioners understand their role in amicable resolution of issues besides creating informed citizenry. He urged the students to use their legal education to foster equality, uphold constitutional values and ensure justice reaches the most vulnerable sections of the society.
The Chief Justice also planted a sapling in the campus of Dogra Law College, symbolizing growth, sustainability and a commitment towards a greener future.
While tracing the history of legislation regarding acid attack, Advocate Rohit Verma, Panel Lawyer, HCLSC Jammu in his impactful presentation said that it was on the directions of Apex Court that IPC was amended and Section 326 A & B were incorporated therein to ensure that the perpetrators of acid attack are not only booked but are also punished with stringent punishment as per the law. He further informed the audience that similar provision has been incorporated U/S 124 (1) & (2) of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023.
Advocate Verma also highlighted the broader social and emotional impact of acid attacks emphasising that these heinous crimes are not just physical assaults but are attacks on a person’s dignity and identity. He pointed out the significant role of laws like Section 357C of the CrPC, which mandates free medical treatment for victims and the Victim Compensation Scheme, which ensures financial relief. He urged the law students to become advocates of change and spread awareness to prevent such crimes in the future.
A poignant skit was also performed by the students of Dogra Law College portraying the social evils like dowry demands, domestic violence, Pre-natal sex determination of child, unlawful termination of pregnancy, eve-teasing and the dastardly act of acid attacks. The scintillating performances rendered by the students in the skit left the audience spellbound.
On the occasion, NALSA theme song was also played which eloquently displayed the mission, motto and objective of Legal Services.
Th. Gulchain Singh Charak, Chairman, Dogra Education Trust, felicitated the Chief Justice, expressing gratitude for his inspiring address and guidance to the students.
This interactive session stands as a testament to the commitment of Dogra Law College and the J&K Legal Services Authority in nurturing the next generation of legal professionals and empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the justice delivery system.