BUDGAM/Srinagar, October 13 (Scoop News) –Saying that providing Free Legal Aid to people is a great service to the society, the Chief Justice of State High Court, Justice Ibrahim Kalif-ullah today made a fervent appeal to the media to create awareness about the benefits of Legal Aid Clinics in nook and corner of the State.
Speaking at an impressive function after inaugurating a Legal Aid Clinic at Budgam, the Chief Justice said that the concept of the programme is to redress the grievances of general public without seeking resort through court.
Chairman, J&k State Legal Authority, Justice, Verinder Singh, Administrative Judge of District, Budgam, Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir, Chairperson, District Legal Authority, Budgam and Principal District Session Judge, Budgam, Gous-u-Nisa Jeelani, Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, Mohammad Rafi, Principal Private Secretary to Chief Justice, Abdul Wahid, Secretary Legal Services Committee, High Court, Abdul Rashid Malik, Chief Judicial Magistrate, Budgam, Gowhar Mjid, members from District Bar, Budgam, Chadoora and Charar-i-Sharief, a large number of Para-Legal Volunteers and Asha Workers were present on the occasion.
Justice Ibrahim Kalif-ullah called upon the people to come forward in a big way to avail the benefits of Legal Aid Centres set up in far-flung areas to provide free Legal Service in their local areas for redressing day to day grievances of people. “Legal Aid Centres provide free and speedy justice to needy, Chief Justice asserted. These free legal aid centers also saves the time and money otherwise required for moving to courts.
Justice Ibrahim Kalif-ullah also inaugurated a Legal Aid Clinic at Choon village in Budgam district.
After inaugurating the Legal Aid Centres, Chief Justice heard a number of grievances put forth by the locals and on-the-spot passed orders for their redressal.
After inaugurating Legal Aid Centre at Budgam, an application was submitted before the Chief Justice by one Mohammad Yousuf Dar S/o Abdul Gani Dar resident of Chak Kawoosa, whose father had died in mysterious circumstances some 6 years before. The applicant submitted that despite making best efforts to see the relief under SRO-43, the same was denied to him which resulted deprivation of basic necessities of life to the family of deceased. Chief Justice after hearing the case asked Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, who was also present on the occasion, to consider the case of applicant without any further delay and dispose it within 10 days. Similarly, several grievances both individual and common were put forth at Choon village before the Chief Justice which was redressed on the spot.
The Chairperson, District Legal Authority, Budgam, while giving a detailed resume of the activities of Legal Aid Clinics in the district said that four centers have been set-up in Budgam, Ichgam, Bugroo and Choon where para legal volunteers and lawyers remain available to listen to the grievances of the people for their on the spot redressal. “These clinics remain open from 10.a.m to 4 p.m on all working days for guidance and free legal service to needy people”, she added. She said the Legal Aid Centres are proving a boon for the people especially living below the poverty line.
Advocate Javed Hubi was dice incharge whereas vote of thanks was presented by Gowhar Mjid Dalal.