Excelsior Correspondent
ANANTNAG, Oct 14: Chief Justice of State High Court, Justice M. M. Kumar today said that judiciary was determined to provide speedy justice to all sections of the society, particularly to those who cannot afford the legal expenses at thier doorstep. For this, several measures have been initiated.
The Chief Justice was speaking at an impressive function after inaugurating Free Legal Aid Clinic (FLAC) in the premises of District Jail, Anantnag today. The function was organized by the District Legal Services Authority, Anantnag.
Justice Kumar while revealing the aim and objective of opening the FLAC in the jail premises said that many detenues are not in a position to afford legal costs and to facilitate them speedy justice, Legal Services Authority has taken this initiative within the legal frame work. He said that till date134 Legal Aid Clinics have been opened in every nook and corner of the State to ensure quick justice to the people.
All District Jails have been provided this service already. He said a mobile van which has been specially designed for the purpose has been put into service for attending the cases in the rural areas and redressing the grievances of the masses on the spot.
He informed that the services of lawyers will be available in the jail regularly and they will continue to monitor the cases of the detenues and provide them justice quickly. He asked the lawyers to motivate the educated youth to work as para-legal volunteers after their release and help in containing the crimes from the society.
He said such volunteers are the best ambassadors to educate the other criminals for shunning the bad habits. He revealed his experience in Punjab where he utilized the services of such detenues which helped a lot in containing the petty crimes. He asked the lawyers to extend helping hands to the needy with missionary approach. He hoped that the prisoners will take full advantage of the services.
Justice Kumar said that prisoners have many reasons behind their acts as circumstances sometimes lead them to do crimes. He asked them to realize their mistakes and after their release they must lead the life of responsible citizens and motivate others not to adopt the wrong path. He asked them to help in contributing for making the social reforms and healthy society.
Justice Kumar also inaugurated Mobile Lok Adalat at village Akad in Anantnag. As many as 24 cases related to motor accident claims and matrimonial disputes were settled on the spot and Rs. one crore was disbursed as compensation among the beneficiaries by the Chief Justice.
On the public demand, Justice Kumar announced Free Legal Aid Clinic at Akad village which will start functioning within one month.
Justice Virender Singh, who is Executive Chairman of J&K State Legal Services Authority also spoke on the occasion and threw light on the aspects of the service. He said that to create awareness about the free legal aid clinics amongst the general masses, the Mobile Lok Adalat Van has been pressed into the service with necessary manpower and assistance. The Mobile Lok Adalats are organized in the rural areas to settle legal cases on the spot.
Principal District Judge, Anantnag Abdul Rashid Malik presented vote of thanks on the occasion.
Among those present on the occasion included, senior judges of the J&K High Court, Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir, Justice Muzaffar Husain Attar, Justice Husnain Masoodi, Secretary High Court Legal Services Committee, R.N.Wattal, District Development Commissioner, Anantnag Farooq Shah, DIG Prisons, Kashmir, Dr. Mohammad Sultan Lone, DIG Anantnag, Vijay Kumar, SSP, Anantnag, Ramesh Kumar Jalla, President Bar Association, Anantnag Abdul Samad Tak, large number of lawyers, judicial employees, inmates of District Jail, Anganwari workers and prominent personalities of the area.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
