Delhi High Court Legal Services Committee Launches "Kanooni Saksharta - Sabka Adhikar" in Tihar Jail

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court Legal Services Committee (DHCLSC), in collaboration with Tihar Prisons, launched its flagship program for the benefit of prison inmates, titled "Kanooni Saksharta - Sabka Adhikar" at Central Jail No. 4, Tihar, New Delhi.

Through this project, DHCLSC has adopted a unique approach to creating awareness among inmates of Delhi's prisons on topics related to their right to free legal aid, bail, furlough, parole, remission, plea bargaining, compounding of offenses, and other such rights. It has nominated its panel lawyers and Jail Visiting Advocates to conduct sessions every Friday in Jails (Central Jail Tihar/ District Jail Rohini/ Mandoli) until December 1, 2023.

The program was inaugurated by the Chief Guest of the event, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Manmohan, Judge, High Court of Delhi and Chairperson, DHCLSC. In his presidential address, his Lordship highlighted the importance of proper legal representation for inmates in courts and the role played by DHCLSC in protecting the interests of inmates who cannot afford due legal representation themselves. He also emphasized the need for awareness among inmates about their rights so that they can avail the benefits of such rights in letter and spirit. His Lordship also encouraged the inmates to maintain a positive attitude during their incarceration so that they can contribute to nation-building upon their release from jails. He assured the inmates that DHCLSC, as always, will continue to strive to help them avail their rights. Finally, the Hon'ble Chairperson, DHCLSC, encouraged the inmates to participate wholeheartedly in the program.

During the program, Sh. Sanjay Baniwal, Worthy Director General (Prisons), Sh. Mukesh Kumar Gupta, Ld. Member Secretary, DSLSA, and Sh. Sushant Changotra, Ld. Secretary, DHCLSC spoke about the importance of legal aid and the pivotal role played by legal services authorities in ensuring proper legal aid to the inmates. The program was also attended by Sh. H.P.S. Sran, Additional Inspector General (Prisons), Sh. Naveen Gupta, Ld. Special Secretary, DSLSA, and Sh. Rajesh Chopra, D.I.G (Prisons), as well as Superintendents of Jails in Delhi. The program was attended by approximately 300 inmates of Central Jail No. 4, Tihar, New Delhi.

During the program, the inmates of Tihar Jail gave scintillating performances of patriotic songs. The inauguration program was well-received and appreciated by the dignitaries and audience in attendance and concluded with a huge round of applause.

In addition, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Manmohan, Judge, High Court of Delhi and Chairperson, DHCLSC, also inaugurated the newly set up Papercraft unit in Central Jail No. 4, Tihar.