Budgam : The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Budgam, organized an Awareness Programme on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Rights of Senior Citizens, and the Ill Effects of Child Marriage and Child Labour in collaboration with Government Higher Secondary School, GogjipathriNilnag, Chadoora.
The programme was conducted under the directions of Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority, Shazia Tabassum, , under the supervision of Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, Budgam, O.P. Bhagat, and the active guidance of Secretary, DLSA Budgam, Nusrat Ali Hakak.
Secretary, DLSA Budgam, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. In her address, she deliberated upon the key themes of the programme and highlighted that the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism primarily aims to provide a swift, cost-effective, and non-adversarial method for resolving disputes through mutual consent, cooperation, and understanding between parties. She emphasized that ADR helps reduce the burden on the judiciary while ensuring fair, accessible, and efficient delivery of justice.
Speaking about the Rights of Senior Citizens, she underlined the importance of protecting and promoting their welfare, dignity, and security in old age by shielding them from neglect, abuse, and exploitation. She emphasized that these rights aim to enhance the physical, emotional, and social well-being of senior citizens, preserve their independence, and encourage their active participation in community life, enabling them to live with respect, comfort, and self-worth. She encouraged participants to adopt and promote ADR mechanisms as effective tools for dispute resolution.
The District Legal Services Authority, Budgam, deputed Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel, Deputy Legal Aid Defence Counsel and Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel as resource persons for the programme. They delivered insightful presentations on various legal schemes and sensitized participants about their objectives and implementation.
In his address, Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel, elaborated on the concept of mediation, describing it as a voluntary, confidential, and cooperative process of dispute resolution. He explained that mediation involves a neutral third party, known as the mediator, who assists disputing parties in reaching a mutually acceptable settlement. Unlike a judge or arbitrator, the mediator does not impose a decision but facilitates communication, promotes understanding, and guides parties toward an amicable resolution. He emphasized that the primary objective of mediation is to ensure a fair, speedy, and cost-effective resolution of disputes while preserving relationships, maintaining confidentiality, and fostering mutual respect. He also highlighted the importance of pre-institution mediation, arbitration, and other non-litigious methods as effective tools for promoting peaceful and efficient dispute resolution.
Deputy Legal Aid Defence Counsel, Budgam, spoke on the Rights of Senior Citizens. He stressed the importance of safeguarding the dignity, welfare, and legal rights of elderly persons, highlighting the provisions of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. He explained that this law ensures social and economic security for senior citizens by placing a statutory duty on children and legal heirs to provide maintenance and by facilitating the establishment of old-age homes and welfare measures.
He urged society to show greater compassion, respect, and care toward the elderly, recognizing them as valuable members of the community who deserve protection and support in their later years.
He emphasized that older persons should have the opportunity to realize their full potential and access the educational, cultural, spiritual, and recreational resources of society. He underscored that senior citizens deserve to live in dignity and security, free from exploitation and any form of abuse.
He further referred to recent Supreme Court judgments affirming that tribunals established under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 possess the authority to order the eviction of children or relatives who neglect their senior citizen parents. The Court has also ruled that such tribunals can revoke property transfers, including gift deeds, if the recipient fails to fulfill their duty of care. These rulings, he noted, reaffirm that laws concerning the welfare of senior citizens must be interpreted liberally to uphold their right to dignity, care, and secure living.
Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel, also addressed the gathering. He emphasized the ill effects of child marriage and child labour, highlighting their grave consequences and the need for strong legal safeguards to protect children. He pointed out that child marriage deprives children, especially girl of their right to education and health, leading to early motherhood, domestic violence, and emotional distress. Similarly, child labour exposes children to exploitation, physical and mental harm, and denies them the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe environment.
He urged participants to work collectively towards eradicating these social evils by spreading awareness, ensuring community vigilance, and supporting the implementation of laws designed to protect children’s rights and dignity.
The programme was a grand success, witnessing the participation of a large number of teachers, students, and other stakeholders.
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