Jalandhar legal services authority marks World Human Rights Day

The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Jalandhar, on Wednesday observed World Human Rights Day at Meritorious School. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, and members of the legal fraternity, including the DLSA team.

The primary goal was to raise awareness about fundamental human rights, and the importance of ensuring justice and dignity for all.

The event was conducted under guidance of the DLSA chairman, a District and Sessions Judge.

Rahul Kumar Azad, CJM-cum-DLSA secretary, conducted a session for the students, delving into the various provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the legal aid services provided by the DLSA to the weaker sections of society. He emphasised the importance of the right to free legal services, and the mechanism available for seeking justice.

He said World Human Rights Day was a reminder that the fight for universal rights was continuous, adding that the authority was mandated by the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, to provide free and competent legal services to eligible sections of the society, organise Lok Adalats for amicable settlement of disputes, and conduct legal awareness campaigns across the district.

Awareness drives in jails

The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, observed Human Rights Day on Wednesday, conducting a series of awareness programmes at multiple locations — including the Central Jail, Women Jail and Borstal Jail in Ludhiana, as well as Baba Wazir Singh Khalsa Senior Secondary School in Nawanshahr. The initiatives were organised under the directives of the Punjab State Legal Services Authority, SAS Nagar, and the guidance of the District and Sessions Judge, SBS Nagar, Priya Sood.

Led by Civil Judge (Senior Division) and Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-DLSA secretary Amandeep, the team visited the three jails in Ludhiana, interacting with inmates and apprising them of their fundamental human rights. Amandeep said Human Rights Day served as a reminder that every individual, irrespective of their circumstances, was entitled to dignity, equality and justice.

In a parallel programme, para-legal volunteer Vasdev Pardesi conducted an interactive session at Baba Wazir Singh Khalsa Senior Secondary School, Nawanshahr. Students were briefed on their legal rights, including the Right to Education; and key provisions of the POCSO Act, 2012. They were also made aware of the Child Helpline number and the importance of reporting any incidents of abuse or exploitation. — Ashok Kaura