The Women Police Station (WPS) in Tezu, Arunachal Pradesh, has inaugurated a Legal Aid Clinic (LAC), established by the Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (APSLSA). This initiative aims to provide free legal services to citizens, particularly focusing on marginalized sections of society, women, missing children, and victims of offenses against children.
The establishment of the LAC aligns with a directive from the Supreme Court of India, dated 19th September 2022, under WP (Civil) No. 427 of 2022 titled “Bachpan Bachao Andolan Vs Union of India & Ors”. This directive emphasizes facilitating easier access to justice for marginalized sections of society, as well as National Legal Services Authority’s framework to provide early access to justice at various stages, including pre-arrest, arrest, and remand.
The inauguration ceremony of the LAC was officiated by Tage Halley, District & Sessions Judge and Chairman of District Legal Services Authority, Lohit. Present at the event were Kakit Duggong, Dy Supdt of Police, Mary Jonnam, Secretary DLSA, as well as officers from local police stations and Women Police Station, Tezu. Also in attendance were legal aid defense counsel, representatives from the Bar Association of Tezu, court staff, legal aid functionaries, and police personnel.
During his address, Tage Halley highlighted the vital role of the Legal Aid Clinic and Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) in bridging the gap between legal service institutions and the general public. PLVs, as grassroots workers, ensure that individuals seeking legal assistance have access to free legal aid through the nearest legal service institutions.
The newly established Clinic, housed within the Women Police Station, will cater to the legal needs of the community and will be staffed by dedicated PLVs who will assist individuals seeking legal aid. This initiative aims to make legal services more accessible to those in need, particularly within marginalized communities.
In addition to inaugurating the Legal Aid Clinic, Tage Halley also officially opened the offices of the Secretary of District Legal Services Authority, Lohit, and the Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel at the ADR building in Tezu.
