DLSA Ganderbal organizes Legal Awareness programme at Subsidiary Jail, Dignibal

GANDERBAL, AUGUST 24: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Ganderbal today conducted a visit to Subsidiary Jail and organised a comprehensive legal awareness programme on Plea bargaining, Rights of Prisoners & Bail provisions at Subsidiary Jail, Dignibal.

The programme was held under the supervision of Chairman DLSA Ganderbal, Ritesh Kumar Dubey and under the guidance of Secretary DLSA Ganderbal, Nusrat Ali Hakak.

This visit aimed to gain first hand insight into the prevailing conditions within the facility and ascertain the adherence to legal protocols. The purpose of this visit was to evaluate the physical infrastructure besides assess the living conditions and treatment of detainees.

As part of ongoing effort to uphold constitutional rights, the Sub-Judge /secretary took a comprehensive tour of the premises, engaging with inmates, prison staff, and other relevant parties.

The legal awareness programme aimed to ensure that prisoners and detainees understand their fundamental & other legal rights, gain knowledge about plea bargaining and its benefits, and comprehend the various provisions and criteria for availing bail during the legal proceedings.

Secretary, DLSA, Ganderbal emphasized the significance of the programme and assured inmates of its importance. She also threw light on the rights and entitlements of individuals confined within the prison system.

Asif Mustafa, Advocate (Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel) extensively discussed the concept and significance of plea bargaining in criminal cases, emphasizing its role in expediting the criminal justice system and reducing the burden on courts.

Furthermore, he explained the various aspects of the rights of prisoners, including their entitlements to fair treatment, access to legal aid, healthcare facilities, and basic amenities. Bail provisions were also thoroughly explained during the programme, covering different types of bails such as regular bail, interim bail, and anticipatory bail, along with the circumstances in which they can be claimed.

Participants were educated about the factors considered by the court while granting or rejecting bail, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their legal options.

He explained the fundamental rights of prisoners. Inmates were acquainted with their entitlements, including the right to legal representation, humane treatment, and access to medical facilities. Notably, this session aimed to ensure that prisoners are aware of their rights and can assert them when necessary.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic engagement from the attendees, comprising prisoners, jail staff, officials and Para Legal Volunteers from DLSA Ganderbal.