DLSA secretary inspects Jhansi district jail, launches legal help desk for inmates

Jhansi: In an effort to strengthen access to justice and legal awareness among prisoners, secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Isha Tripathi, conducted a detailed inspection of the district jail in Jhansi on Friday along with the district judge and DLSA chairperson Kamlesh Kachhal.The inspection was carried out under the aegis of the State Legal Services Authority with the objective of reviewing the legal aid services being provided to inmates, listening to their grievances, and creating awareness about their legal rights.During the visit, the DLSA secretary toured various barracks of the jail and interacted personally with inmates to understand their legal and other concerns. While creating an awareness drive among the inmates, she said that every economically or socially weaker individual has the right to free legal aid and that the DLSA provides eligible persons with free legal counsel, legal advice and other necessary legal services.She also apprised the inmates of various welfare schemes being run by the National Legal Services Authority and the Uttar Pradesh State Legal Services Authority.On the occasion, a Legal Help Desk established inside the jail premises was formally inaugurated. Tripathi stated that through the help desk, inmates would receive legal information and guidance related to appeals, bail, parole, free legal assistance, and other legal rights. Prisoners facing issues related to their court cases, legal representation, or judicial proceedings would also be able to communicate their concerns directly to the District Legal Services Authority through the desk.She instructed jail authorities to ensure that every inmate gets an opportunity to avail legal aid and that all legal complaints or issues raised by prisoners are addressed seriously and resolved in a timely manner. Stressing the importance of equal access to justice, she said it is a constitutional right of every citizen and that the DLSA remains committed to ensuring its effective implementation.The jail administration was also encouraged to organise regular legal awareness programmes for inmates so they remain informed about their rights and responsibilities.During the inspection, various grievances and suggestions presented by inmates were heard, and necessary directions were issued to the jail administration and concerned officials for appropriate action. The secretary assured the inmates that the DLSA would continue to extend all possible legal assistance whenever required.