By Our Staff Reporter
DEHRADUN, 12 Apr: A training workshop was organized for the benefit of future ‘Nyaya Mitra’ by the Pro Bono Club established by the Department of Justice, Government of India and the Legal Aid Center at the Law College Dehradun of Uttaranchal University. Secretary of Uttarakhand State Legal Services Authority, Pradeep Mani Tripathi, HJS was the chief guest on this occasion and president and Dean (Law) of Punjab University Vandana Arora was present as the special guest. More than 300 law students from universities and colleges across the state participated in the training workshop. The subject of training was legal aid and prison reform.
Member of Uttarakhand State Legal Services Authority and Dean of Law College Dehradun, Rajesh Bahuguna said that the establishment of Pro Bono Club and Legal Aid Centers is a visionary step of the Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India. The law students encouraged and trained by these centres are proving to be effective ‘Nyaya Mitra’ in practical life.
In his address, Pradeep Mani Tripathi said that legal aid is not only a fundamental right but also the utmost need of the prisoners waiting for justice in jails. He said that there are more than 5,525 prisoners in 12 districts of Uttarakhand. Legal aid is necessary for a fair trial. He told about the various schemes run by the district, state and national legal services authorities for legal aid and awareness. Describing the law students as future amicus curiae, he said that the pro bono services provided by an advocate are no less than a great donation. The state of Uttarakhand is moving towards starting ‘Nyaya Mitra’ helpline with the goal of one village, one para legal volunteer. He described the efforts of the Pro Bono Club and Legal Aid Centre run by Law College Dehradun as exemplary steps.
Vandana Arora focused her speech on the concept of humane and rehabilitative justice system. She enlightened the participants by providing valuable insights on topics like reconceptualization of imprisonment, prison reform and prison manual.
College Principal Poonam Rawat, head Radhey Shyam Jha and Chairperson of Legal Aid Centre Abhiranjan Dixit had a special contribution in organizing the camp.
