Karnah – A heartwarming celebration was held at the Govt. Boys High School Tangdhar on November 9th, marking National Legal Services Day. Hosted by the Tehsil Legal Services Committee Karnah, the event shed light on the theme “Significance of Legal Aid and Access to Justice for Marginalized Communities,” emphasizing empowerment and inclusivity.
Under the esteemed guidance of Ms. Shazia Tabasum, Chairman of the District Legal Services Authority and Principal District & Sessions Judge Kupwara, and supervised by Mr. Mansoor Ahmad Mir, Munsiff and Chairman of the Tehsil Legal Services Committee (TSLC) Tangdhar, the event was a resounding success in promoting legal awareness.
Adv. Abdul Majid Banday, Secretary of the Bar Association Karnah, kick-started the program with an engaging welcome address that provided insights into the history and importance of the Legal Services Authority Act of 1987. He elaborated on the vital role of legal aid clinics, panel lawyers, and para-legal volunteers in ensuring access to justice for marginalized communities.
The impactful speech by Mr. Mansoor Ahmad Mir highlighted the essential nature of legal services as a safeguard for the rights and freedoms of all citizens. He emphasized constitutional provisions regarding free legal aid and praised the community support that legal aid clinics provide.
Resource person Mr. Adv. Jameel Ahmad Magray stressed the importance of legal aid in promoting social justice, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, has access to legal representation. He called upon educational institutions to play a proactive role in disseminating this crucial message to targeted beneficiaries.
Mr. Adv. Imtiyaz Rashid Bhat, another resource person, spoke about the Legal Services Authority Act 1987, detailing the eligibility criteria for free legal aid services, while Mr. Mehboob Allahi, President of the Bar Association Karnah, reinforced the significance of legal awareness programs. Both emphasized the need for civil society’s involvement to maximize outreach to those in need.
Mrs. Nasreen Aarif, Principal of Govt. Boys High School Tangdhar, passionately highlighted the role of legal aid in nurturing a society where justice prevails. Her emphasis on educating future generations about their legal rights underscored the event’s message of empowerment.
The program brought together a diverse audience, including legal professionals, educators, students, and civil society members, all showcasing their commitment to promoting legal awareness. The enthusiastic participation reflected a shared dedication to ensuring that access to legal aid and justice is a reality for all citizens.
This celebration of National Legal Services Day served as a powerful reminder of the importance of legal aid in safeguarding individual rights and fostering a more just society. With a renewed commitment to reach marginalized communities, the event marked a positive step towards enhancing legal access for everyone.
