CJM-cum-Secretary District Legal Services Authority Amritsar visits Central Jail

Amritsar, May 31 (Punjab Post Bureau) – CJM-cum-Secretary District Legal Services Authority Amritsar S. Pushpinder Singh PCS  visited the Central Jail Amritsar, wherein, the jail barracks, Jail Kitchen, Jail Hospital, Legal Aid Clinic and Video Conference room was inspected. During the visit newly appointed Judicial Officers Ms. Charanpreet Kaur, Civil Judge, (Jr. Divn.) and Smt. Ramanpreet Kaur Civil Judge Jr. Divn., who are under training with undersigned w.e.f 27.05.2021 to 03.06.2021 and Panel Lawyer Amandeep Singh Bajwa Advocate accompanied the undersigned. Arshdeep Singh Gill Jail Superintendent, Hemant Sharma Deputy Superintendent (Maintenance) were also present during the jail visit. The grievances of the jail inmates were taken up with the jail authorities. The inmates were guided about various legal aid services being provided by the Punjab State Legal Services Authority including ADR mechanism i.e. Legal Aid, Lok Adalats, Victim Compensation Schemes, Para Legal Volunteer Services, Legal Aid Clinic and Legal Literacy Clubs in Schools and Colleges etc.

                 They were also made aware about the free legal aid provided by Punjab State Legal Services Authority SAS Nagar and were apprised that any inmate in the jail whether convict or under trial is entitled to free legal aid under Legal Services Authority Act, 1987. The inmate can fill up a simple application and thereafter he is immediately provided a free legal aid counsel. Similarly in case a person is convicted by the court and intends to file appeal/revision against the order of conviction, he can also file an application in the office of District Legal Services Authority, Amritsar. It was further explained that all the expenses incurred during the case are borne by the District Legal Services Authority, Amritsar. Further the jail inmates were made aware about the fact that there is a Legal Aid Clinic established at Central Jail, Amritsar where the trained Para Legal Volunteers are deputed by the District Legal Services Authority Amritsar.