Awareness seminar and camp held on ‘Legal Services Day’ in SBS Nagar

A district-level legal awareness seminar and camp was organised at the Community Hall, Usmanpur near Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar on the occasion of ‘Legal Services Day’ under the directions of the Punjab State Legal Services Authority.

The event was held under the supervision of District and Sessions Judge, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Priya Sood and Civil Judge (Senior Division)-cum-Chief Judicial Magistrate and Secretary, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Dr Amandeep.

During the programme, Para Legal Volunteer Baldev Bharti addressed the gathering and shared detailed information about the significance of ‘Legal Services Day’ and the establishment of the Legal Services Authorities Act. He informed the participants that the Authority provides free legal aid to economically weaker and needy citizens to ensure that no one is deprived of justice due to lack of financial resources. As part of these services, the Authority appoints lawyers at no charge for eligible beneficiaries. He also highlighted that a toll-free helpline—15100— has been launched to facilitate access to free legal services.

Para Legal Volunteers Jarnail Singh Khurd and Kumari Simranjot Kaur Bharti also sensitized the public regarding emergency support helplines. They informed that incidents of crimes against children can be immediately reported at Child Helpline 1098, while women facing harassment or violence may seek assistance through Women Helpline 1091. For police-related emergencies, citizens can contact Helpline 112.

Additional District& Session Judge Aprajita Joshi told that a National Lok Adalat is scheduled to be held on 13 December 2025 at the New Court Complex, Nawanshahr, where long-pending cases will be taken up for settlement to reduce litigation burden and provide speedy justice.

On this occasion, the participants were also made aware of various welfare schemes aimed at improving the social and economic status of women, children, and workers. Informational material and pamphlets were distributed to enhance public awareness and encourage people to avail the benefits of legal aid and government welfare initiatives.