LEH, NOVEMBER 9: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Leh, on Monday observed Legal Services Day at the District Court Complex, highlighting the importance of free legal aid and wider public awareness about legal rights and assistance available to vulnerable sections of society.
The programme was attended by Principal District and Sessions Judge and Chairman DLSA Leh, Spalzes Angmo; Secretary DLSA Leh, Wangial Tsering; Bar Association President Gonbo Stobgyal; Deputy Director Prosecution Tsering Phuntsog; senior advocate Shafi Lasu; advocates, Legal Aid Defense Counsel, panel lawyers, paralegal volunteers and court staff.
The programme began with the NALSA theme song, followed by a welcome address by Wangial Tsering, who highlighted the significance of Legal Services Day and the role of DLSA in ensuring that people unable to afford legal representation have access to legal assistance.
He stressed the need to expand outreach and create greater awareness among the public about the availability of free legal services, while highlighting the initiatives undertaken by DLSA Leh to assist those in need.
Addressing the gathering, Spalzes Angmo outlined the provisions of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and explained the structure of legal services institutions at the State, district and taluka levels.
She emphasised sustained outreach, community engagement and coordination among advocates, paralegal volunteers and institutions to ensure access to justice for all. She also urged panel lawyers and paralegal volunteers to discharge their responsibilities with dedication, particularly in extending legal assistance to disadvantaged and marginalised sections of society.
Bar Association President Gonbo Stobgyal also spoke on the significance of Legal Services Day, explaining the role of panel lawyers and the categories of people eligible for free legal aid under the Act.
Similar programmes were organised by the Tehsil Legal Services Committees of Nubra and Khaltsi to mark the occasion and spread awareness about free legal aid and access to justice.
