Authority is a platform for creating awareness among the differently abled and underprivileged about their legal rights and access to justice: Justice Vibhu Bakhru Delhi High Court

Vijay Gaur Bureau Chief - Delhi

Hon’ble Justice Vibhu Bakhru, Judge, High Court of Delhi and Executive Chairman, Delhi State Legal Services Authority visited the stall of Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) located at "Stall No. G-52 B, Hall No. 14" at India International Trade Fair and observed the services offered there. He was accompanied by Hon’ble Member Secretary, DSLSA, Rajiv Bansal, Special Secretary, DSLSA, Mridul Gupta, Additional Secretary, DSLSA and Abhinav Pandey, Secretary (Litigation), DSLSA. During the visit, the distinguished guests interacted with various exhibitors and learnt about the innovative initiatives being taken in the legal and social fields.

Hon’ble Justice Vibhu Bakhru appreciated the efforts of Delhi State Legal Services Authority in organizing such a meaningful event, which serves as a platform to raise awareness among the differently abled and underprivileged about their legal rights and their access to justice. He encouraged the participants to continue their valuable contribution, stressing that such initiatives not only bridge the gap but also empower communities by providing them with the necessary knowledge and resources.

His visit also highlighted the important role of the judiciary in promoting an environment of fairness, transparency and justice and ensuring that the benefits of legal aid reach those who need it the most. Justice Bakhru appreciated the steps taken by the Authority to distribute free jute bags to the visitors visiting the Authority’s stall at the exhibition. The interaction between the judiciary, legal experts and exhibitors further reinforced the importance of collaboration in advancing legal literacy and promoting justice for all sections of society.

Delhi State Legal Services Authority Spokesperson informed Vijay Gaur Bureau Chief that Delhi State Legal Services Authority is organizing a three-day training program for newly empanelled Legal Services Advocates of its North and East District Legal Services Authorities on 23rd, 25th and 26th November, 2024 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at Nyay Manch Auditorium, 1st Floor, Rouse Avenue Courts. The inaugural day of this training program on 23rd November, 2024 witnessed the esteemed presence of Hon'ble Justice Vibhu Bakhru, Judge, High Court of Delhi and Executive Chairman, Delhi State Legal Services Authority. Hon'ble Justice delivered the keynote address on the occasion and also sensitized the Legal Services Advocates. He also interacted with the Legal Services Advocates and encouraged them.

Ms. Anju Bajaj Chandna, Principal District & Sessions Judge-cum-Special Judge (PC Act) CBI, Rouse Avenue Courts was also present on the occasion. Hon'ble Member Secretary, DSLSA Rajiv Bansal and Special Secretary, DSLSA Naveen Gupta took the session on 'Overview of Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, particularly the role and responsibilities of Legal Services Advocate'.

Hon'ble Secretary, North District Legal Services Authority, Ankur Panghal took the technical session on 'Front Office interaction with legal aid beneficiaries and their documentation; effective communication and interpersonal skills and Fee Schedule of DSLSA, 2017'. Special Judge (PC Act), CBI, Rouse Avenue Courts Hasan Anzar took the session on Divorce under Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 and Hindu Succession Act, 1956. Ms. Ritu Singh, Hon'ble Presiding Officer, Labour Court, Rouse Avenue Courts discussed the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 and laws relating to wife maintenance.

The objective of organizing this three-day training programme was to make legal service advocates aware of the latest amendments in the law and to ensure provision of free and competent legal aid.