BUDGAM, MAR 14: In a bid to safeguard legal rights and ensure access to justice, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Budgam, under the aegis of J&K Legal Services Authority on Friday organized an awareness programme at Central Jail Srinagar on bail and legal aid for undertrial and convicted prisoners.
As per the statement issued to The Newsroom 24 – Awaz, the initiative aligns with the Supreme Court’s February 18, 2025, judgment in Suo Motu Writ Petition No. 04 of 2021, which addresses delays in the release of convicts post-bail. The event was conducted under the guidance of Justice Atul Sreedharan, Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority, and Shazia Tabassum, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority, with O.P. Bhagat, Chairman DLSA (Principal District & Sessions Judge) Budgam, presiding over the session. Nusrat Ali Hakak, Secretary DLSA Budgam, personally supervised and monitored the programme.
Legal Aid Defense Counsels Shahrooq Bhat and Ab Rouf Parray briefed inmates on their legal rights, the availability of free and competent legal aid, and key legal provisions such as Section 432 of CrPC and Section 473 of BNSS. They also explained different types of bail applicable to various cases and discussed the Supreme Court’s directives regarding the timely release of convicts granted bail.
Addressing the gathering, Secretary DLSA Budgam highlighted various legal aid schemes available to prisoners and encouraged them to seek assistance through Legal Services Institutions.
The programme saw the participation of Shahbaz Hussain, Incharge Superintendent Central Jail Srinagar, officials from the Prison Legal Aid Clinic, Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs), police personnel, and jail inmates.
