Thiruvananthapuram: As part of the Pan India Awareness and Outreach Programme from 2nd October 2021 to 14th November 2021 in association with ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and Legal Services Week, a webinar was organized on the topic Probation as a Tool for Reformative Justice under the aegis of NALSA District Legal Services Authority Thiruvananthapuram, District Probation Office Thiruvananthapuram and LJRF Centre for Probation Reforms on Sunday 7th November, at 5 pm through Google Meet platform.
The webinar was aimed at creating awareness about the importance of the Probation of Offenders Act 1958 and its practices among Law and Social Work students. There were about 100 participants present during the event. The gathering was welcomed by Shri Giftson Raj Probation Officer, District Probation Office Thiruvananthapuram. Shri Vidhyadharan K, secretary District Legal Service Authority (DLSA) Thiruvananthapuram delivered the presidential address. Followed by him, Shri Ananthakrishna Navada K, Additional Director Kerala Judicial Academy delivered the Keynote speech. It was a very insightful session with explanations on the various sections and articles in the PO Act. He explained the Act quoting various cases and used his personal experiences. He emphasized the importance of developing awareness about the Act among Offenders, Police Officers, judicial officials, Advocates and Counsellors. He concluded by sharing the challenges in the implementation of the Act. Shri Binoy V.J, District Social Justice Officer Idukki, addressed the meeting sharing the realities in the practice of the Probation of Offenders Act and its field-level challenges and opportunities. He cited various examples from his experience as a Probation Officer. He also emphasized the importance of support from the community in the reintegration process and the difficulties and challenges faced by Probation Officers in the implementation of the Act. Finally, Ms Sreelekshmi S, Co-convener LJRF Centre for Probation Reforms delivered the Vote of Thanks and the programme ended up with National Anthem. Certificates were also distributed to the participants who have filled up the feedback form
