Legal awareness seminar held at Ratainda school to mark International Justice Day

In observance of World International Justice Day, a legal awareness seminar was organised on Thursday at Government Senior Secondary School, Ratainda, near SBS Nagar, under the directives of the Punjab State Legal Services Authority, Mohali.

The event was conducted under the guidance of Hon’ble District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairperson of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Priya Sood and was led by Civil Judge (Senior Division)/Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Secretary, DLSA, Dr Amandeep.

Addressing the students, Dr Amandeep emphasised the global significance of the day in promoting access to justice and raising awareness about legal rights. She informed students about free legal aid services, provisions under the POCSO Act, and the concept of de-facto victims. Special mention was made of the toll-free helpline number 15100, available to anyone seeking legal assistance. Dr Amandeep encouraged students and their families to contact the District Legal Services Authority, SBS Nagar, for any free legal support.

Senior Advocate SL Jain and Para Legal Volunteer Baldev Bharti also addressed the gathering, highlighting various aspects of the Indian legal system and stressing the importance of knowing one’s legal rights. The event saw active participation from school staff, students and local community members.

Among those present were Para Legal Volunteer Jarnail Singh, School Principal Surjit Kaur, Village Sarpanch Gurtaran Singh, along with members of the school faculty and village panchayat.