Justice for all takes centre stage at landmark legal camp in Shillai

In a commendable initiative towards ensuring legal empowerment and justice for all, a legal services mega camp was organised today at Naya village in Shillai subdivision of Sirmaur district under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). The event was presided over by Yogesh Jaswal, District & Sessions Judge and Chairman of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Sirmaur.

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Speaking on the occasion, Jaswal said this was the first such mega legal camp conducted in Himachal Pradesh.

He highlighted that legal aid is a fundamental responsibility of a welfare state, ensuring that justice is accessible to every citizen, regardless of socio-economic background. He emphasised that equal access to justice is a constitutional mandate that guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the law.

He further explained that such camps are conducted under NALSA’s module, focusing on delivering legal awareness, connecting people with welfare schemes, and facilitating access to justice for marginalised sections, especially those living in rural areas. The primary objective is to bridge the gap between citizens and the justice system by empowering them with knowledge of their rights and legal remedies.

Retired district & sessions judge CL Kochar and Additional District & Sessions Judge (Fast Track Special Court for Rape/POCSO), Sirmaur, Subhash Chander Bhasin also addressed the gathering and shared insights about the importance of legal literacy. Additional District & Sessions Judge, Nahan, Gaurav Mahajan, spoke about eligibility for free legal aid based on annual income and special provisions for Scheduled Castes/Tribes, widows, and persons with disabilities.

Nav Kamal, secretary of DLSA and Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Sirmaur, welcomed the chief guest and said over 150 grievance petitions were submitted to district authorities prior to the camp for timely redressal.

The event also witnessed the participation of Bar Association Shillai chief Neelam Chauhan, who, along with fellow members and local women, felicitated the dignitaries with traditional Himachali caps and shawls.

Multiple departments set up informative stalls showcasing various welfare schemes. The judges and officials visited these exhibits and interacted with the public. The camp saw active participation from senior judicial officers including Kapil Sharma (Paonta Sahib), Vikas Gupta (Paonta Sahib), Anshul Malik (Shillai), and ADM LR Verma, among others.