Jammu: District Legal Services Authority Jammu, under the guidance of Y. P. Bourney, Chairman (Pr. Distt. & Sessions Judge) and overall supervision of Secretary, Dr. Smriti Sharma, Saturday organised an awareness programme to commemorate National Legal Services Day-2025. The programme focused on this year’s theme “Access to Justice for All- Bridging the Legal Awareness Gap.”
The event witnessed the participation of judicial officers, Members of the Bar Association, Mediators, Legal Aid Defense Counsels, Panel Lawyers, Para-legal Volunteers, and staff of DLSA Jammu.
The programme commenced with a welcome address delivered by Dr. Smriti Sharma, Secretary DLSA Jammu. The Secretary highlighted the significance of the day and emphasized the importance of equal access to Justice for all sections of the society.
The event featured two distinguished resource persons, Additional District Judge Family Court Jammu, Prem Sagar and Deputy Legal Aid Defense Counsel Jammu, Advocate Pooja Jamwal.
In his address, the Additional District Judge Family Court Jammu highlighted the importance of legal awareness and the pivotal role of Judiciary in safeguarding citizens’ rights. He discussed the Theme of National Legal Services Day 2025 – “Access to Justice for All- Bridging the Legal Awareness Gap.”
The Deputy Legal Aid Defense Counsel Jammu discussed the role and responsibilities of LADCs, Panel Lawyers, and PLVs in effective implementation of legal aid schemes under the aegis of NALSA and its subordinate bodies with a special focus on the role of District Legal Services Authority as interface between the legal system and the public in implementing NALSA’s vision at the grassroots level.
Chairman District Legal Services Authority, (Pr. Distt. & Sessions Judge) Jammu Y. P. Bourney, in his address, emphasized the importance of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 and the need to continue working towards ensuring free and competent legal services for the underprivileged sections of society. He highlighted the critical role played by legal aid providers in strengthening justice delivery mechanisms and upholding the constitutional promise of equality before the law.
As part of the celebration, appreciation certificates were distributed to Mediators, Legal Aid Defense Counsels (LADCs), Panel Lawyers and Para-Legal Volunteers in recognition of their exemplary dedication and service in advancing the objectives of legal aid and public welfare. Their contributions were commended for spreading awareness and empowering citizens with knowledge about their legal rights.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Smriti Sharma, Secretary District Legal Services Authority Jammu who reaffirmed DLSA’s commitment to enhance legal literacy, encourage pro bono services and extend legal support to every corner of the district, so that Legal Services are accessible to every needy person.
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