Legal Aid and Awareness Cell of Law College Dehradun, Uttaranchal University organized a legal awareness camp for the benefit of the representatives of Panchayat members of Raipur Block. Senior Judge of Nainital High Court Hon’ble Justice Sh. V. K. Bist was the Chief Guest at this occasion.
The law students of the College, through the medium of a short play, ‘Har Ki Doon’ presented the various steps involved in composition of Panchayat. From Panchayat elections, organization of Panchayat, altercations in Panchayat sittings as well as defects in Panchayat system were effectively demonstrated through the skit , while the speakers supplied the valuable legal information to the representatives. Issues related to the everyday life of citizens, like the First Information Report, allocation and preservation of panchayat lands, laws related to motor vehicle accidents and forests, legal aid and legal remedies against domestic violence were also discussed.
Raipur M.L.A. Mr. Umesh Sharma, District Judge Mr. R. D. Paliwal, Mr. Prashant Joshi and Mr. Kuldeep Sharma of Legal Services Authority and Block Pramukh Mrs. Beena Bahuguna were also present at this occasion. Pradhans, Panchayat members, local and Zilla Panchayat members as well as Women Volunteer Groups of 64 Panchayats of Raipur Block participated in the camp. On this occasion the Chancellor of Uttaranchal University, Mr. Jitendra Joshi, Mrs. Anuradha Joshi, Mr. G.P. Sharma, Mr. Abhishek Joshi, Dr. Poonam Rawat, the faculty members and students were also present.
The Hon’ble Justice V. K. Bist , in his address , spoke about the commitment of Uttarakhand judiciary to make the judicial system just, simple and easily accessible to common citizens. Justice V.K.Bist maintained that the establishment of permanent Lok-Adalats and Mediation Centres in all the districts of the state is the first step in this direction. Legal Services Authority of the state is also contributing in resolving maximum reconcilable disputes outside the court through Lok Adalats and Mediation Centres. He also distributed books related to simple legal knowledge, to all the Panchayat Members.
Speaking on the occasion, local M.L.A. Mr. Umesh Sharma said that in many cases plaints are engaged in prolonged legal battles because of lack of knowledge and resources. However, these disputes could be resolved easily through alternative dispute resolution systems.
District Judge, Mr. R. D. Paliwal spoke about the ignorance of law among large sections of people, terming it “unpardonable” he asserted that it is expected of the people to have basic knowledge of laws and judgments of Supreme Court. He praised the legal awareness activities undertaken by Law College Dehradun, as being revolutionary concept that would go a long way in spreading the knowledge of law in society, especially among the rural people.
Mrs Beena Bahuguna in address urged the Legal Services Authority to make arrangements for adequate training of Panchayat Members concerning their duties. According to Mrs. Bahuguna, this would ensure better planning at Panchayat levels and subsequently lead to all round progress of the state.
The Principal of the college Dr. Rajesh Bahuguna spoke about the objective of Legal Aid and Awareness Cell of Law College Dehradun, to disseminate legal information to the common citizens in a simple, meaningful and effective manner.
