The Kerala Social Justice Department is organizing a state-level Probation Day Celebration on November 15 at the Kerala Law Academy Auditorium, Thiruvananthapuram. This event is held annually in commemoration of Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer, a renowned jurist and the first Law Minister of Kerala, on his birth anniversary. Since then, November 15 has been observed as ‘Probation Day’ or ‘Social Defense Day’ to raise awareness about the Probation of Offenders Act, 1958, and the efforts to reintegrate offenders into society through social rehabilitation programs.
The event will be inaugurated by Hon. Dr. R. Bindu, Minister of Higher Education and Social Justice, under the chairmanship of Hon. V. K. Prashanth, MLA from Vattiyoorkavu. The program includes seminars and discussions on the significance of the Probation of Offenders Act, its impact on social rehabilitation, and various initiatives by the Social Justice Department aimed at reducing recidivism and promoting social reintegration.
The distinguished guests include Shri. S. Shamnad, Sub Judge and Secretary, DLSA Thiruvananthapuram, and notable professors and officials from various sectors involved in social justice and rehabilitation.
Event Details and Key Speakers
The ceremony will be inaugurated by the Honorable Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice, Dr. R. Bindu, and presided over by Shri. V.K. Prashanth, Hon. MLA of Vattiyoorkavu. The event will feature prominent guests including:
- Shri. S. Shamnad, Sub-Judge & Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Thiruvananthapuram
- Prof. Mini Sukumaran, Member, State Planning Board
- Prof. T. Anilkumar, Director, Kerala Law Academy
- Smt. Lakshmi K, Chief Welfare Officer, Department of Prisons & Correctional Services
Seminar Highlights
A seminar focusing on various aspects of probation and social rehabilitation will follow the inauguration:
- Probation of Offenders Act, 1958 – A detailed presentation by Mr. N. Krishnakumar, Secretary of Kerala Legislative Assembly.
- Social Significance of Probation Systems – Delivered by Mr. Safi Mohan M.R., Assistant Professor, Government Law College, Thiruvananthapuram.
- Social Justice Department’s Initiatives in Social Defence – An insight by Mr. T.K. Ashraf, Assistant Director, Social Justice Directorate.
This observance aims to enhance public understanding of the role of probation officers and to discuss the department’s ongoing efforts in creating a supportive framework for crime victims, former prisoners, and vulnerable individuals, highlighting the importance of integrating these groups back into society effectively.
