According to Article 39(a) of the constitution of India, the State shall secure that the operation of the legal system promotes justice, on a basis of equal opportunity, and shall, in particular, provide free legal aid, by suitable legislation or schemes or in any other way, to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities. Legal Aid Clinic is a facility set up to provide free legal services to the needy. Legal Aid Clinics acts as a one-stop shop for legal services to people who are deprived of legal services due to lack of knowledge about their rights.
Farsana Noushad, a fourth semester unitary LL.B student at His. Highness Maharajas Government Law College, Ernakulam bagged the Best Student Para Legal Volunteer Award by KELSA this year. Farsana is a member of the Legal Aid Clinic and National Service Scheme unit of the Govt. Law College and have been one of the diligent and innovative volunteers. She has been working with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) of Ernakulam since March 2022 and is still a contributor for various programs and activities organized by the DLSA, Ernakulam. Farsana Noushad Considers this achievement as an award for her hard work.
The Legal Aid Clinic of Government Law College Ernakulam is running effectively under the control of the Head of the Institution. The students and faculty members are actively contributing their services to the Legal Aid Clinic. The Legal Aid Clinic is organizing various outreach programmes like Lok Adalath, Legal Literacy programmes, seminars etc. “Samanvyam”, a Lok Adalth Programme is organizing with the association of District Legal Services Authority, Ernakulam every year. The legal Aid Clinic coordinated with DLSA Ernakulam in the Niyama Gothram Project in which classes were organized to provide free legal entrance coaching for the year 2023, to the tribal students from the tribal areas of Kothamangalam and Farsana has been participating as a faculty for the same.
How to become a student para legal volunteer?
In order to become a student Para Legal Volunteer, one should volunteer in programmes conducted by the district legal service authorities.
Awards given in connection with the National Legal Aid Day
Various awards like Best Legal Aid Clinic, Best Para Legal Volunteer, Best Student Para Legal Volunteer, Best Panel of Advocates etc. are given in connection with the National Legal Aid Day. Nominations are given through District Legal Service Authorities and the Awards are given on the basis of the report of their activities submitted by each candidate.
Legal Aid Clinics play a major role in granting access to justice for the underprivileged, removing financial barriers that may deter individuals from seeking legal recourse. By providing assistance to those deprived of their rights due to poverty and lack of information, Legal Aid Clinics play a crucial role in fostering a more equitable legal system.
