:J&K Legal Services Authority under the esteemed guidance of Justice Tashi Rabstan, Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh (Patron-in-Chief, J&K Legal Services Authority) today convened a virtual meeting with all the Secretaries of District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs), Medical Superintendents of Government Medical College & Hospital (GMCH) Jammu and Srinagar and Jail Superintendents alongwith Medical Officers of the jails across the UT of J&K and Ladakh.

The objective was to comprehensively review and reinforce the legal aid mechanisms to health care available to inmates in correctional facilities across the region.

During the deliberations, special emphasis was placed on the recently inaugurated Legal Aid Clinics at GMCH Jammu and Srinagar, underscoring the need to extend similar facilities to all correctional institutions across the UTs. It was resolved that these Legal Aid Clinics should be fully operationalized with designated Legal Aid Defense Counsels (LADCs) and Para-Legal Volunteers (PLVs) to ensure seamless and timely access to legal assistance for inmates.

To enhance accessibility and outreach, it was further mandated that the contact details of PLVs, Legal Aid Counsel and nodal officers nominated by the GMCH Jammuand Srinagar be prominently displayed in all jails, ensuring that every inmate is aware of their rights and can seek legal assistance without procedural hindrance. This initiative aligns with the broader objective of expediting special medical attention and ensuring the swift resolution of pending legal matters.

Additionally, Jail Superintendents were directed to extend all necessary facilities to avail all benefits of providing the specialized medical treatment from the Legal Aid Clinics available at GMCH Jammu & Srinagar, including specialized medical care, psychological counseling and legal consultationsto inmates, reinforcing the commitment to upholding their fundamental rights, as enshrined in the Constitution of India and international human rights conventions. The Chief Justice reiterated the importance of a coordinated approach involving jail authorities, legal services institutions, and healthcare professionals to ensure the holistic well-being of inmates.

The meeting concluded with a firm commitment from all stakeholders to strengthen legal aid infrastructure across correctional institutions, with continued efforts to enhance Legal Aid Clinics, legal literacy initiatives and rehabilitation programs and health care of jail inmates across the UT of J&K and Ladakh.

The J&K Legal Services Authority remains steadfast in its mission to uphold justice, ensure access to legal remedies, and safeguard the dignity and rights of all individuals, particularly those in custody