Leh, Feb 20: Stating that social justice can only be realised when every citizen, especially women and children from vulnerable sections, has equal access to legal remedies, Sub-Judge and Secretary, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Leh, Wangail Tsering, on Friday underscored the need for strengthening legal awareness at the grassroots level.
He was addressing a Legal Awareness Programme organised by the District Legal Services Authority, Leh, at the DC Conference Hall to commemorate the World Day of Social Justice. The day is observed globally to promote equality, human rights and equal opportunities for all sections of society.
The programme was attended by Phuntsog Stobgyal, Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel; Tsering Laskit, Panel Lawyer; workers of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS); DLSA staff members; and Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs).
In his address, Wangail Tsering apprised participants of the various legal safeguards available for their protection and welfare. He elaborated on the free legal aid services provided by DLSA for eligible beneficiaries and urged those in need to approach the authority without hesitation.
Highlighting child protection measures, he briefly spoke about the Victim Compensation Scheme in cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, drawing attention to the provisions for financial assistance and rehabilitative support for child victims.
Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel Phuntsog Stobgyal stressed the importance of legal awareness in advancing social justice. He explained the procedure for availing legal rights through DLSA and encouraged participants to seek timely legal remedies in case of grievances.
Panel Lawyer Tsering Laskit delivered a detailed presentation on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. She outlined the rights of aggrieved women under the Act, including protection orders, residence orders, monetary relief, custody orders and compensation.
She also informed the participants about the process of filing complaints, the role of Protection Officers, and the legal remedies available to ensure immediate and effective protection against domestic violence.
The programme concluded with an interactive session during which participants raised queries and received clarifications from the resource persons, reflecting active engagement and growing awareness among attendees.
