In a society where the safety and dignity of women and children are often under threat, legal professionals play a crucial role in ensuring that justice is not just a constitutional promise but a lived reality. Advocate Laila Khalid, a young and dynamic lawyer and panel advocate with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), is one such voice dedicated to defending the rights of the most vulnerable.

In an exclusive conversation with Brighter Kashmir , Laila speaks passionately about her journey in law, the challenges on the ground, and the importance of robust legal frameworks like the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in safeguarding society’s future.
Laila’s motivation to pursue law was deeply personal and purposeful. “I always believed that law is more than just a profession—it’s a tool for social change. Growing up, I saw how victims of abuse often suffered in silence, especially women and children who lacked the resources or knowledge to seek justice. That drove me to be their voice in court,” she says.
Her association with the DLSA has given her firsthand experience of the ground realities of abuse cases. From conducting legal awareness camps in remote areas to representing victims in court, Laila’s work spans both advocacy and outreach. “Access to justice is not just about courtroom battles; it’s about ensuring people know their rights and the laws that protect them,” she notes.
Laila points out that cases of abuse against women and children are on the rise, often hidden behind walls of stigma, fear, and societal pressure. “The most alarming aspect is that a large percentage of abuse occurs within homes or by people known to the victim. This makes reporting and prosecution extremely difficult,” she explains.
She emphasizes the need for a multi-layered approach—legal, social, and psychological—to tackle the crisis. “While laws like POCSO are powerful, we also need robust support systems—counselling, victim protection, and community awareness—to ensure survivors can rebuild their lives.”
Enacted in 2012, the POCSO Act is one of India’s most comprehensive laws aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. Laila highlights how the law has been instrumental in shifting the focus from victim-blaming to victim protection.
“POCSO recognises that children require special protection. It provides for child-friendly procedures during investigation and trial, mandatory reporting of offences, and stringent punishments for offenders,” she explains. “However, its success depends on effective implementation, which requires coordination between law enforcement, judiciary, and social services.”
She also underscores the role of education in prevention. “Schools, parents, and communities must create safe spaces where children feel empowered to speak up. Awareness is the first step towards prevention.”
Advocate Laila Khalid believes that justice cannot be achieved by legal measures alone. “We need a cultural shift—one that rejects victim-shaming, encourages reporting, and prioritizes rehabilitation,” she asserts.
Her message is clear and powerful: “Every time we stand up for a survivor, we dismantle a part of the system that enables abuse. As lawyers, as citizens, and as human beings, it’s our collective responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves.”
Through her relentless work, Laila is not just fighting legal battles—she is building a safer, more just future. Her journey serves as a reminder that justice begins with awareness, but it thrives when courage meets compassion.