SRINAGAR: District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Srinagar, organized an awareness programme on Monday at Central Jail Srinagar under the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC) Campaign in Jails of India for Filing Special Leave Petitions (SLPs).
The programme was held under the chairmanship of Tasleem Arief, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Srinagar, and under the supervision of Sajad Ur Rehman, Sub-Judge/Secretary, DLSA Srinagar
Primary objective of the campaign was to inform jail inmates about their right to access justice through legal aid, specifically in relation to filing Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) before the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
The programme aimed to identify and support convicts who remain unrepresented despite having valid grounds for appeal and to educate them on the legal remedies available through the SCLSC.
Tasneem Kausar, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel, delivered a comprehensive session highlighting the importance of legal aid for marginalised inmates. She discussed the criteria for approaching the Supreme Court through SLPs and explained the role of the SCLSC in bridging the gap between convicts and justice. She encouraged inmates to seek assistance and exercise their legal rights without hesitation.
Minhaaj Ur Rasool and Ayesha, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsels of DLSA Srinagar ,addressed the inmates on the procedural aspects of filing SLPs. They simplified the process, explained eligibility conditions, and provided step-by-step guidance to help inmates understand how to benefit from the legal aid system.
The programme witnessed the presence and active involvement of officials from prison legal clinics, jail authorities, and para-legal volunteers. These stakeholders were sensitized about the objectives of the campaign and the critical role they play in ensuring that no eligible convict is left without representation.
Jail authorities and Para Legal Volunteers of Prison Legal Aid Clinic, at Central Jail Srinagar, were urged to identify and notify the DLSA about inmates potentially eligible for remission of sentence, premature release, or those who may have grounds for filing SLPs. Para-legal volunteers were encouraged to maintain regular engagement with inmates to facilitate access to justice.
This awareness initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of the legal services institutions to ensure that justice is not denied due to a lack of knowledge or representation. The collaborative efforts of the judiciary, legal aid counsels, prison officials, and volunteers continue to uphold the principle of ‘Access to Justice for All,’ even within correctional institutions.
