Sir,
I would like to highlight the main features of free legal services available to the weaker sections of society about which there is little awareness among people.As per Article 14 of the Indian constitution all persons irrespective of caste, class, and gender are equal before law which is our fundamental right.Similarly, Article 21 of the constitution gives us the right to life and liberty. But protection of these fundamental rights needs legal support which is not possible for all. Consequently, the weaker sections of society are deprived of their fundamental rights.
But there is nothing to worry.There is very sound provision of legal aid for those who are unable to defend themselves or to file a suit in court of law. For this purpose there is a legislation titled” Legal services Authority Act 1986.” As per provisions of this Act, there is a three tier system of legal services in the country including our state.There are legal services authority’s cells/offices at State, District and Tehsil level which are concerned with creating awareness and providing free legal services to the people eligible for the same.
It is for the information of all concerned that there is a provision for free legal services and aid for the following sections of people:
* The persons belonging to SC and ST Community
* Victims of human trafficking
* Beggers, women and children
* Victims of disasters, caste atrocities,flood, earthquake, rape etc
* Industrial workers/labourers
* Persons under custody including those in juvenile home, and
* The poor people having income below a certain level, subject to revision from time to time.
It is observed that there is very little knowledge about the provisions of the Legal Services Authority Act.To mention here, there is also provision for appointment of Para Legal Volunteers at each level of operation who are responsible for creating awareness about the scheme among the people.But it seems that the system is not functioning properly. However, the needy people can approach the concerned legal assistant working at each level for help.
O P Sharma (Prasher)
Bagnoti, Nowshera.
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