PASIGHAT, Feb 8: In a significant step towards ensuring inclusive justice, Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi, Judge of the Gauhati High Court and Executive Chairman of the Arunachal Pradesh Legal Services Authority (APSLSA), inaugurated Prison Legal Aid Clinic at Sub-Jail Pasighat today opening the door for free legal services for prison inmates within the jail premises. He also addressed a legal awareness programme organised for the inmates.
The initiative, organised by APSLSA under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), aims to provide timely legal assistance, awareness, and support to jail inmates, undertrial prisoners, in keeping with the constitutional mandate of equal justice and strengthening the legal aid delivery system to reach every citizen.
Addressing the inaugural session, Justice Medhi highlighted that geographical remoteness, limited access to legal institutions, and linguistic diversity pose major challenges in accessing justice in case Arunachal Pradesh, particularly for those coming into contact with the criminal justice system. He emphasised that awareness of legal rights and timely access to justice and legal aid are fundamental constitutional rights.
Stressing the importance of free legal aid made available through District legal Services Authority (DLSA) , Justice Medhi said that legal awareness must reach the “last man in the line” and the remotest corners of the state, especially the marginalised and voiceless sections of society. He noted that many inmates, particularly undertrials, remain in custody due to a lack of awareness and access to timely legal services. He underscored the role of Prison Legal Aid Clinics in ensuring timely access to justice  through free legal services and support and awareness about their rights.
Justice Medhi also emphasised the crucial role of paralegal volunteers as key facilitators of legal awareness in local communities and as instruments of reform within the prison system. He commended the efforts of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), East Siang.
Justice Budi Habung, Judge of the Gauhati High Court, in his address, urged inmates to actively avail themselves of the free legal services and support provided through the Prison Legal Aid Clinic at Sub-Jail, Pasighat  and highlighted the spirit behind  humane and equal justice for every citizen and urged inmates for reformation and good conduct.
During the programme, inmates were familiarised with various NALSA initiatives by Advocate Sunny Tayeng, Legal Aid Counsel; Advocate Nyame Dabi, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel; and Yomge Ado, Member Secretary, APSLSA. The session covered schemes for support to poor prisoners, legal aid through the e-Prison portal, and NALSA flagship programmes such as Jagriti, ASHA, DAWN, SAMVAD, SATHI, and LSUM. Information was also shared on the NALSA Helpline (15100), legal services mobile units, the Arunachal Pradesh Victim Compensation Scheme, 2024, and the roles and functions of Legal Services Authorities and Legal Aid Clinics.
The programme was attended by SP Pankaj Lamba; ADC (HQ) Pebika Lego; SDO (Judicial)-cum-Jail Superintendent; Sanjay Taram, Secretary, DLSA East Siang; Epi Kapa, Member Secretary, APSLSA; Yomge Ado, District & Sessions Judge and Chairperson, DLSA East Siang, Officer  in Charges,  Paralegal Volunteers, members of the e Bar, among others.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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