Justice for all must, says CJ

Tribune News Service

Shimla, November 21

The issues related to implementation of legal aid services were discussed at length during the two-day regional meet of member secretaries of state legal service authorities of northern states here today.

The meet, which commenced today, has been organised by National Legal Services Authority and State Legal Services Authority at Himachal Pradesh Judicial Academy, Gandhal.

Himachal Pradesh High Court Chief Justice L Narayana Swamy inaugurated the workshop and stressed on access to justice for all and the role of judiciary in creating an inclusive society.

He lauded the role of the media in highlighting pivotal issues before the judiciary and strengthening the justice delivery system through suo motu PILs.

Justice Dharam Chand Chaudhary welcomed the chief guest and briefed him about various activities being undertaken by the Legal Services Authority to provide succor to the poverty-stricken and downtrodden sections of society.

Prem Pal Ranta, member secretary, HP State Legal Service Authority (district and session judge), said the focus of the workshop was implementation of legal aid scheme to provide legal aid to the poor.

He said the concept of village legal aid clinics has been started for the rural population and legal council would be provided 24 hours. “Monitoring and mentoring committee has been constituted comprising retired district and sessions judge to review the proceedings of cases and bring qualitative improvement,” he said.

Among those present on the occasion included Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, Justice Sureshwar Thakur and Justice Chander Bhusan Barowalia, Director Judicial academy Virender Sharma. State legal secretaries of six states are attending the two-day workshop.