Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority is launching legal aid initiatives targeting pregnant prisoners and senior citizens

Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) unveiled two crucial initiatives at the inaugural State Level Meeting of Legal Aid Defense Counsels at Nyaya Sadan on Sunday.

The event was graced by esteemed judges of the Supreme Court including the Executive Chairman of JHALSA Judge Sujit Narayan Prasadspotlighted the provision of legal aid to pregnant female prisoners and the launch of a six-week campaign to support seniors in retirement homes.

Judge Ananda Sen, Judge of the Jharkhand High Court, expressed his appreciation for participating in this inaugural State Level Meet. He highlighted the crucial role of Legal Aid Defense Counsels (LADCs) and District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in bridging the gap between justice and the marginalised.

Justice Dr. S. N. Pathak emphasized JHALSA’s obligation to provide assistance to the underprivileged who have been overlooked by state facilities.

“The work and duty of JHALSA is to provide relief to the oppressed class, who have not been given any importance, but none of the facilities provided by the state have reached them and therefore it is the duty of JHALSA to take care of them ,” Justice Pathak stated.

Addressing the participants, Justice Shri Sujit Narayan Prasad underlined the importance of the State Level Meeting in enhancing the legal acumen of LADCs. He reiterated the fundamental objective of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, highlighting its role in realizing the guiding principles of state policy and ensuring access to justice for all.

Justice Prasad further highlighted the genesis of the concept of legal aid in the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and emphasized its purpose to enrich legal options for the marginalized sections of the society.

These initiatives reflect JHALSA’s commitment to ensuring that legal aid reaches those in need, furthering the cause of justice in Jharkhand.

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