Orientation programme on Early Access to Justice at Pre-Arrest, Arrest & Remand Stage, Child Rights & POCSO Act at Anantnag

ANANTNAG, September 22: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Anantnag today organized an orientation programme for the police officers, member of JJB, CWC and public prosecutors of Anantnag at Dak Banglow Anantnag on the topics Early Access to Justice at Pre-Arrest, Arrest and Remand Stage, Child Rights and POCSO Act, NALSA ( Child Friendly Legal Services to Children and the their Protection) Scheme, 2015.

The programme was presided over by Faizan UI-Haq lqbal, CJM Anantnag and  was also attended by Sarfaraz Nawaz Spl. Mobile Magistrate Anantnag; Deepka, SP Anantnag; Superintendent District Jail Anantnag, District Social Welfare Oficer Anantnag, Asst. Labour Commissioner Anantnag, besides 25 IOs of whole district and the prosecutions of district Anantnag, LADCs, Panel Lawyers, staff members and Para Legal Volunteers of DLSA Anantnag.

On the occasion, CJM Anantnag was the main resource person who gave insights pertaining to the Early Access to Justice at Pre-Arrest, Arrest and Remand Stage.

Awareness was raised among participants about the rights of detenues/ accused persons at the stage of pre-arrest arrest and remand stage besides about various guidelines given by Hon’ble Supreme Court of India which are to be followed by the police authorities/ investigating officers at the time of pre-arrest, including interrogation, arrest and remand stage. 

The guidelines given in Arnesh Kumar Vs State of Bihar and Anr, Nandni Vs Sheela barsa, were highlighted and the investigating officers have to follow those guidelines in letter and spirit. 

Emphasis was laid on the point that the obligations laid on the investigation officers u/s 41 and allied provisions. 

The Role of legal Aid Defense Counsels was highlighted by Dy. Chief LADC and it was deliberated that there is need of coordination between police authorities and District Legal Services Authority so that the rights of detenues/accused persons are protected from the stage of pre-arrest, arrest and remand till the process of filing and disposal of bail application.

During the programme Secretary District Legal Services Authority Anantnag laid emphasis on Child rights and POCSO Act and made participants aware about special protection and care afforded to minors under the constitution and NALSA (Child Friendly Legal Services to Children and their Protection) Scheme, 2015.

At the conclusion of the programme newly empanelled lawyers of the whole district were given empanelment letters accompanied by duty notes and reporting forma