JAMMU, APRIL 27: In furtherance of its mandate to provide free and competent legal services to the marginalized and vulnerable sections of society, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Jammu undertook a visit to the District Jail, Amphalla.
The visit was led by the Learned Secretary DLSA Maleeka Sharma, who was accompanied by the Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC), Jammu Anil Sharma. The primary objective of the visit was to inspect the conditions of under-trial prisoners, assess pending legal aid cases and facilitate timely legal assistance to eligible inmates.
During the visit, the Learned Secretary also visited the Prison Legal Aid Clinic, where she reviewed its operations and issued specific directions to the Paralegal Volunteers (PLVs) to enhance case tracking, expedite legal aid applications and conduct regular awareness sessions for inmates. She further checked the barracks to assess living conditions firsthand. Additionally, she inspected the teaching classes for inmates, appreciating the ongoing educational initiatives and directing enhancements to promote rehabilitation and skill development.
A detailed interaction was held with the prisoners, including under-trials and women inmates. The DLSA team, along with the LADC, scrutinized jail records, identified cases requiring immediate legal intervention and ascertained the status of pending bail applications and trial proceedings.
Special emphasis was laid on under-trial prisoners who had been detained beyond the prescribed statutory period.
The Authority also reviewed the availability of basic amenities, medical facilities and legal literacy material within the jail premises. Necessary directions were issued for the dissemination of information regarding the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 and the procedures for availing free legal aid to the prisoners.
The Learned Secretary reiterated the Authority’s commitment to ensuring access to justice for all, particularly for those from economically weaker sections of society. She emphasized that such jail visits form an integral part of DLSA Jammu’s efforts to decongest jails, expedite trials and safeguard the fundamental rights of prisoners.
The visit concluded with a meeting with the jail authorities, during which cooperation was reaffirmed for the effective implementation of legal aid measures and the promotion of humane and dignified incarceration practices.
The DLSA Jammu shall continue to conduct jail visits and awareness programmes to strengthen the mechanism of legal aid delivery within correctional institutions.