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 here today, opening the door for free legal services for prison inmates within the jail premises.
Justice Medhi also addressed a legal awareness programme organized for the inmates.
The initiative, organized by APSLSA under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), aims to provide timely legal assistance, awareness, and support to jail inmates, under trial 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 Arunachal Pradesh, particularly for those coming into contact with the criminal justice system. He emphasized that awareness of legal rights and timely access to justice/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 marginalized and voiceless sections of society. He noted that many inmates, particularly under trials, 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 emphasized 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 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. He also urged inmates for reformation and good conduct.
During the programme, inmates were familiarized with various NALSA initiatives by Sunny Tayeng, Legal Aid Counsel; 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.
Among others, the programme was attended by East Siang SP Pankaj Lamba and ADC (HQs) Pebika Lego. (DIPRO)