May 2024

Srinagar, May 22, 2024: Two days Mega Medical Camp organized by the J&K Legal Services Authority under the patronage of Hon’ble the Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, N. Kotiswar Singh (Patron-in-Chief, J&K Legal Services Authority) and under the dynamic leadership of Justice Tashi Rabstan, Senior-most Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh (Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority) in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar, Department of Prisons, UT of J&K, Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir, and the Department of Health & Medical Education, Kashmir concluded today at Central Jail, Srinagar.
The Medical camp aimed at providing comprehensive medical care to the jail inmates featured specialist doctors from various medical fields, including General Medicine, Surgery, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Orthopaedics, Psychiatry, Cardiology, Dental & Oral Medicine, Gynaecology, and ENT.
Talking to media persons, Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority said that during the two days’ camp, 21 doctors of various specialities examined 959 inmates, with 3,332 different investigations carried out. The medical consultations included 876 inmates examined by General Physicians, 52 by Cardiologists, 36 by Endocrinologists, 211 by Dermatologists, 317 by Orthopaedists, 173 by Gastroenterologist, 156 by Physiotherapists, 147 by Dentists, 107 by ENT Specialists, 115 by Ophthalmologists, 139 by Surgeons and 156 by Psychiatrists. Additionally, 142 ultrasounds, 137 ECGs, 133 X-rays, and 28 dental procedures were performed, along with various body profile tests. Besides, Drug De-addiction and NCD Counselling was given to 171 inmates.
He further said that the investigations conducted during the health check-up revealed that 46 inmates were newly diagnosed with diabetes, 189 were known diabetics, 87 were newly diagnosed with hypertension, whereas 485 were known hypertensives.
The two-day camp was an exemplary effort in enhancing healthcare facilities for inmates, demonstrating the resolve and commitment of J&K Legal Services Authority to the welfare of all sections of the society particularly those facing incarceration.
The Superintendent, Central Jail Srinagar, thanked the J&K Legal Services Authority, Directorate of Health, Kashmir and Department of Health and Medical Education for organizing Medical Camp on such a big scale and hoped that the same shall continue in future as the jail inmates are immensely benefited from it.

Srinagar, May 21, 2024: Understanding the importance of ensuring healthcare facilities to jail inmates in UT of J&K, the J&K Legal Services Authority under the patronage of Hon’ble the Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, N. Kotiswar Singh, who is also Patron-in-Chief, J&K Legal Services Authority and under the directions of Justice Tashi Rabstan, Senior-most Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority held a Mega Medical Check-up Camp at Central Jail, Srinagar in collaboration with DLSA Srinagar, Department of Prisons, UT of J&K, Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir and Department of Health & Medical Education, Kashmir.
Justice Tashi, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion was accompanied by Ms. Rajni Rabstan, Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary and Muzamil Kabli, Under Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority was warmly received by Deepak Kumar, IPS, DG Prisons, Jawad Ahmed, Principal District & Sessions Judge (Chairman, DLSA) Srinagar, Sheikh Zulfikar Azad, Superintendent, Central Jail Srinagar, Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, Director, Health Services Kashmir, Prof. (Dr) Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal, GMC Srinagar, Jahangir Ahmed Bakshi, Secretary, DLSA Srinagar and Dr. Aijaz Shah, Principal, Govt. Dental College, Srinagar.
The Mega Medical Check-up Camp was conceptualized by Justice Tashi Rabstan who in his address stressed upon organizing such type of camps on regular basis to curtail the filing of petitions in the courts by the undertrials for their medical examination. He further said that the jail inmates are immensely benefitted in such programs as all the specialist doctors of various departments like General Medicine, Surgery, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Orthopaedics, Psychiatry, Cardiology, Dental & Oral Medicine, Gynaecology, ENT etc. are available for consultation and advice to the needy inmates.
Prof. (Dr) Iffat Shah, Principal, GMC Srinagar, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, Director, Health Services Kashmir, Prof. (Dr) Aijaz Shah, Principal, Govt. Dental College, Srinagar and Dr. Aijaz Ahmad, Consultant, Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences Kashmir in their respective addresses appreciated the efforts of Legal Services Institutions in bringing all the stakeholders on one platform for good health and wellbeing of jail inmates besides acknowledging the importance of organising such camps on regular basis. They also assured complete support to J&K Legal Services Authority in all such future endeavours. Dr. Mushtaq also informed the gathering that all the investigation and body profile testing shall be done in the camp, which can roll over to one more day depending upon the medical needs of prisoners. He further said that all the medicines that would be prescribed by doctors including spectacles by the ophthalmologists shall be provided to the patients free of cost.
The opening remarks were presented by Sheikh Zulfikar Azad, Superintendent, Central Jail, Srinagar whereas Jahangir Ahmad Bakshi, Secretary, District legal Services Authority, Srinagar conducted the proceedings of the program and Ms. Saba Shawl, Staff Officer to DG Prisons presented vote of thanks.
Those who attended the program include Dr. Tahir Sajad, CMO Srinagar, Shabir Ahmad, Deputy Superintendent, Central Jail, Srinagar, Dr. Aijaz Ahmad, Dr. Mir Mushtaq, Dr. Aasim Farooq, Dr. Aasifa, Dr. Sameena, Super-Specialist and Specialist doctors, Para-Medical staff, Technicians, Lab Assistants etc of Health Department, GMC Srinagar, Govt. Dental College Srinagar and Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Kashmir, Security personal of CISF, staff of Central Jail, Srinagar and PLVs of DLSA Srinagar.

Srinagar, May 18, 2024: To ensure better care and protection of children especially residing in various Child Care Institutions in UT of J&K and Ladakh, Justice Tashi Rabstan, senior most Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority and Chairman, Juvenile Justice Committee, High Court of J&K and Ladakh today visited “Pareesha” (Home for Girls) and “Phulwari” (Specialized Adoption Agency) at Khansahib, Budgam.
Justice Tashi Rabstan accompanied by Ms. Rajni Rabstan and Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary J&K Legal Services Authority also Ex-officio Member Secretary, Juvenile Justice Committee, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh were warmly received by Jahangir Ahmad Bakshi, Secretary, DLSA Budgam, Malik Tariq, SDM Khansahib, Budgam, Ubaid-ul-Khazir, District Social Welfare Officer, Budgam, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Malik, SDPO Khansahib Budgam, Ms. Mohsina, Superintendent, Pareesha and Ms. Rifat, Coordinator SAA.
Ubaid-ul-Khazir, DSWO Budgam gave a brief presentation about the facilities being provided to the children staying in Preesha and also informed Justice Tashi that presently 25 girls are putting up there who are students between class First to class Ninth and native of different areas of district Budgam. He also pointed out that a female child of Preesha got recently promoted to class 9th after scoring 85% marks in the 8th standard.
During interaction with the children, Justice Tashi patiently listened to them about their daily routine, the quality of food being served to them, their involvement in extra-curricular activities and their interest areas as well as hobbies. Thereafter, Justice Tashi inspected the rooms, wash rooms, kitchen cum dinning hall, computer lab and recreation hall and expressed satisfaction regarding the facilities being provided to the children. While addressing the gathering Justice Tashi said that the Child Care Institutions in district Budgam are doing commendable Service to the society.
Subsequently, Justice Tashi inspected “Phulwari” and took stock of the operational framework where he was informed that already eight children have been adopted by the families within and outside the UT of J&K and at present only one infant child is being taken care of by the said agency. A few issues were raised by the Superintendent “Paresha” regarding which on the spot instructions were issued to SDM Khansahib, Budgam for their resolution as early as possible.
The staff of Pareesha, Phulwari and District Social Welfare Officer thanked Justice Tashi for visiting the said Institutions, spending time with the children and boosting their morale.

Srinagar, May 11, 2024: On the occasion of National Technology Day, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Srinagar, under the aegis of Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority (JKLSA), organized an Awareness and Capacity Building Program to highlight the significant strides made in the Justice Delivery System through the E-Court Project. The programme was held under the able guidance of Mr. Jawad Ahmed, Chairman DLSA Srinagar.
The event, held at the District Court Complex, Srinagar, witnessed the participation of Chairman DLSA, Srinagar Mr. Jawad Ahmed, Secretary DLSA, Srinagar, Mr. Jahangir Ahmad Bakshi, staff members, Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) of DLSA Srinagar, along with enthusiastic law students from University of Kashmir, Kashmir Law College, and Vitasta Law College Nowgam Srinagar.
In his special remarks Mr. Jawad Ahmed, Chairman DLSA, Srinagar, underscored the importance of training and capacity building for law students and other stakeholders in adapting to the technological advancements in the justice delivery system and emphasized the pressing need for the integration of technological tools in the Justice Delivery System. Secretary DLSA, Mr. Jahangir Ahmad Bakshi, emphasized the significance of the program and stressed the need to engage law students about the technological developments made in the justice delivery system, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of legal practice.
The highlight of the event was a detailed PowerPoint presentation by Mr. Tariq Ahmad Malik, System Officer, District Court Complex, Srinagar, showcasing the various e-Court services made available to the various stakeholders of the justice delivery system under the E-Court Project. The presentation demonstrated how technology has streamlined processes, improved access to justice, and enhanced efficiency in the legal system.
The program provided a platform for interactive sessions, allowing participants to gain insights into the practical applications of IT tools in legal proceedings. It also served as a catalyst for fostering collaboration between the legal fraternity and technology experts towards achieving a more transparent, accessible, and efficient justice system.
The programme was moderated by Ms. Sunila and Vote of thanks was presented by Ms. Azra Bashir, Officials of DLSA, Srinagar.

In accordance with the J&K Legal Service Authority calendar for the year 2024, District Legal Services Authority Srinagar organized 2ndNational LokAdalat for the amicable settlement of cases. The aforementioned LokAdalat was held at the District Court Complex Mominabad Srinagar, under the able direction of Hon’ble Justice Mr. N. Kotiswar Singh, Chief Justice of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh (Patron in Chief), J&K Legal Services Authority, Hon’ble Justice Mr. TashiRabstan, Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority, and under the direction and supervision of Mr. Jawad Ahmed, Chairman of the District Legal Services Authority (Pr. District & Sessions Judge) Srinagar.
The purpose of the National LokAdalat was to provide a platform for resolving pending cases and disputes through a conciliatory process. The Lok Adalat mechanism aims to reduce the burden on regular courts and encourage the parties involved to reach a mutually agreeable settlement.
To facilitate the amicable settlement of cases, 12 benches were constituted for the said 2nd National Lok Adalat, wherein the First Bench was presided over by Ms. Jeema Bashir (Presiding Officer, MACT, Court Srinagar) and Mr. Khurshid-Ul-Islam (Ist Additional District & Sessions Judge), the 2nd Bench was presided over by Ms. Masrat Roohi (Principal Judge Family Court) Srinagar and Mr. Iqbal Ahmad Masoudi( I/C Addl. District & Sessions Judge / 3rd Addl. District and Sessions Judge) Srinagar,the 3rd Bench was presided over by Mr. Gowher Majeed Dalal (4th Addl. District and Sessions Judge) and Ms. Tabassum (Judge Small Causes) Srinagar, the 4th Bench was presided over by Mr. Arvind Sharma (Addl District & Sessions Judge, Bank Cases) Srinagar and Ms. Arti Mohan (Presiding Officer POCSO Court) Srinagar, the 5th Bench was presided over by Mr. Raja Mohammad Tasleem (Chief Judicial Magistrate) Srinagar and Mr. Atzaz Ahmad (2nd Additional Munsiff) Srinagar, the 6th Bench was presided over by Mr. Ahsan Ullah Parvez Malik (Spl Mobile Magistrate/Railway Magistrate) Srinagar and Mr. Moneer Ahmad (3rd Additional Munsiff/JMIC) Srinagar, the 7th Bench was presided over by Ms. Mehreen Mushtaq (Muncipal Magistrate) Srinagar and Mr. Adnan Manzoor (Sub-Register/JMIC), Srinagar, the 8th Bench was presided over by Mr. Feroz Ahmad Khan (Forest Magistrate) Srinagar and Mir SayeemQayoom(City Munsiff Srinagar),the 9th Bench was presided over by Mr. Sajad-Ur-Rehman ( City judge), Srinagar, and Mr. Shafeeq Ahmad Malik (1st Additional Munsiff/JMIC) Srinagar,the tenth Bench was presided over by Mr. Mudasar Farooq (Spl. Mobile Magistrate (Traffic) Srinagar and Ms. Tasneem Kausar (Deputy LADC), DLSA Srinagar, as Bench Member the 11th Bench was presided over by Ms. Lubna Sultan (Addl. Spl. Mobile Magistrate (13th FC)Panthachowk Srinagar) and President Bar Association Panthachowk (Member) and the 12th Bench was presided over by Mr. Raja Arshad Hamid (Addl. Spl. Mobile Magistrate) Srinagar, and Ms. Urba Rashid as Bench Member.
Overall 62176 cases were taken up for settlement out of which 60374 cases were amicably settled & Rs.4,41,33,766 (Four Crore forty one lacs thirty three thousand seven sixty six), was awarded as settlement amount. In Motor Accident related cases, Bench No 1 headed by Ms. Jeema Bashir (Presiding Officer, MACT Court) Srinagar, and Mr. Khurshid-Ul-Islam (Ist Additional District & Sessions Judge), Srinagar had taken 47 cases for settlement out of which 20 cases were amicably settled & Rs. 18156343 (one Crore Eighty One Lacs Fifty Six Thousand three hundred forty three) was awarded as settlement amount and Bench No. 4 headed by Mr. Arvind Sharma (Addl District & Sessions Judge, Bank Cases) Srinagar and Ms. Arti Mohan (Presiding Officer POCSO Court) Srinagar, had taken 27 cases for settlement out of which 23 cases were amicably settled & Rs. 68,49,125 (Sixty Eight lacs forty nine thousand one hundred twenty five) was awarded as settlement amount.
The Chairman DLSA Srinagar distributed compensation cheques to the tune of Rs. 8,50,000 (Eight Lakh Fifty thousand) among the survivors of violence sanctioned by J&K Legal Services Authority.

As part of series of events for spreading awareness regarding Right to Franchise during General Election 2024, Under SVEEP Campaign, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar today organized awareness programme on constitutional rights to franchise at Legal Literacy Club of Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Chanapora in the run-up to the upcoming election scheduled to be held on May 13, 2024, , the said awareness programme was held under the able guidance of Mr. Jawad Ahmed, Chairman DLSA Srinagar.
The programme was held as part of the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) campaign, aimed at educating citizens about the importance of exercising their right to vote.
The event witnessed the participation of Ms. Dr Samina Wani, Principal of Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Panel Lawyers, DLSA Srinagar, Staff Members, Students of GGHSS, Chanapora, Srinagar and Para Legal Volunteers of DLSA Srinagar.
Advocate Syed Shabana, Panel Lawyer DLSA Srinagar, addressing the gathering, emphasized that voting is the fundamental right of every citizen and urged the students to exercise their franchise responsibly. She highlighted the significance of participating in the democratic process and making informed decisions at the polls. Advocate Laila Khalid , Panel Lawyer DLSA Srinagar reiterated the importance of constitutional rights and the power of voting. She encouraged the participants to take an active role in the electoral process and make their voices heard.
The awareness programme was well-received by the students, who showed keen interest in understanding their rights and responsibilities as citizens. The event was part of a series of awareness programmes organized by DLSA Srinagar to educate citizens about the importance of voting and to promote electoral participation.

District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar in association with District Election Office, Srinagar, organized an awareness programme as part of the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) campaign on 08/05/2024, to educate the general masses about the importance of casting their vote. The programme was held under the Chairmanship and guidance of Mr. Jawad Ahmed Chairman DLSA Srinagar.
The awareness programme began with a marathon from ADR Centre, District Court Srinagar to Tangpora Batmaloo area, which was flagged off by Mr. Jawad Ahmed, Chairman DLSA Srinagar. The marathon witnessed the enthusiastic participation of Mr. Jahangir Ahmed Bakshi, Secretary DLSA Srinagar, Mr. Molvi Muzaffar Hussain C.A.O of District Court Srinagar, Members of Legal Aid Defence Counsels, Panel Lawyers, Officials & Para Legal Volunteers of DLSA Srinagar, officials of Srinagar Municipal Corporation. The event aimed to sensitize the citizens about their fundamental right to vote and the significance of participating in the democratic process.
Mr. Jawad Ahmed Chairman DLSA Srinagar emphasized the importance of voter participation and the rights of voters. He emphasized that exercising one’s right to vote is essential for shaping the future of the country and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard.
Mr. Jahangir Ahmed Bakshi, Secretary, DLSA Srinagar, also stressed the need for active participation of citizens in the electoral process. He highlighted the role of the DLSA in promoting awareness about the electoral process and encouraging citizens to exercise their franchise.
The main objective of the SVEEP campaign is to increase voter turnout and promote electoral participation among the citizens of Srinagar. The awareness programme organized by the DLSA Srinagar is a step towards achieving this goal. Through this initiative, DLSA Srinagar aims to educate the masses about the importance of voting and encourage them to participate in the democratic process. The event was a huge success, with hundreds of people participating in the marathon and awareness programme.

Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu & Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole, today visited Baramulla and conducted a thorough inspection of the Counting Center and Strong Rooms designated for Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency at indoor sports stadium, Baramulla.

The visit aimed to ensure seamless arrangements for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

The CEO was accompanied by Returning Officer, 1-Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency, Minga Sherpa, Superintendent of Police, Baramulla, Amod Ashok Nagapure, Nodal Officer, Model Code of Conduct (MCC), Syed Qamar Sajad, Assistant Returning Officer, Sopore, Shabir Ahmad Raina, Deputy District Election Officer, Ab Rehman Bhat and other concerned officers.

During the inspection, the CEO reviewed the facilities and arrangements being put in place at the counting center and the strong room to guarantee a smooth and transparent counting process. He also assessed security measures in place to maintain integrity and sanctity of the electoral process.

The CEO was briefed by the RO regarding the arrangements being made to ensure a smooth electoral process while informing that the district administration is diligently implementing all necessary measures in compliance with the guidelines of Election Commission of India.

In a proactive step towards environmental conservation, P K Pole planted saplings within the premises of the counting center to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the center’s surroundings.

Speaking during the visit, P K Pole underscored the critical importance of robust arrangements and strict adherence to electoral protocols set by the Election Commission of India for upholding the sanctity of this democratic process.

Srinagar, May 03: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Friday said Ladakhis and Dogras are feeling marginalised and dispossessed today by the changes imposed on the region. Addressing election rallies in Budhal Rajouri, Mufti said people from Ladakh are protesting against what happened on August 5, 2019.

“Even the businessmen there feel that their lands are being snatched away, leaving them with nothing. The Dogra community in Jammu, which initially hoped that the abrogation of Article 370 would bring benefits, is now reeling from the removal of special status because the region’s resources are being taken away,” she said.

The former chief minister said the removal of special status was unacceptable to the people of Jammu and Kashmir irrespective of their creed, caste, or religion. “Our identity, special status was snatched. This is unacceptable to us. The decisions made on August 5, 2019, should be rolled back. People of Jammu and Kashmir stand united to safeguard their unique identity,” she said.

Mufti also criticised the “suppression of dissent”, alleging that the Public Safety Act (PSA) is slapped against youth who dare to raise their voices against day-to-day issues.
She talked about how electricity prices in Jammu and Kashmir went up a lot compared to other places, making it hard for poor people to pay.
“We generate electricity here, but it is given for free to other states. Here, the prices went up by 10 times. How can poor people pay such big bills? The government wants to make it seem like everything is good, but it’s not true,” she said.
PDP President said people are being disenchanted with each passing day. “Silence of the graveyard has been enforced. I urge you not to allow assault on your unique identity,” she said.
Mehbooba called for safeguarding local languages and culture. “Those from the Dogra community should teach their kids to speak in Dogri, Gujjars should teach kids Gujari, Punjabis- Punjabi and Kashmiris- Kashmiri. Language keeps us connected to our roots. We must do everything whatever is in our hands to protect our identity,” she said.

Mufti said this election is being fought for the protection of our core interests. “It is about our identity; it is about sending a strong voice to the parliament. It is about telling the echelons of power in the parliament that irrespective of caste, creed, or religion, we are citizens of J&K,” she remarked. “This is our land, and we will protect our identity at all costs.”
The former CM called on the National Conference (NC) to “concentrate on larger issues rather than petty politics”. “My main opponent here is from a party that hasn’t accomplished much for the Gujjar community in the past six decades. Everyone knows what the PDP has achieved while in government,” she said.
“The party (NC) claims to have fielded a candidate who hails from a Gujjar community. I respect my Gujjar brothers. The youth of this community are educated. Two months ago, NC accused the Gujjar community of being up for sale and taking money for their votes,” she said. “This is ironic. I respect Altaf Sahib (Mian Altaf Ahmad). He used to study with me in college, but as they say, actions speak louder than words.”
“The fact is that what work he is capable of doing, I may not be capable of the same, but what I can achieve cannot be accomplished by him. I don’t ridicule the National Conference, but we have to understand that this election transcends petty politics,” the PDP chief said.

Srinagar, May 03: Nineteen candidates on Friday filed the nomination papers at the office of the Returning Officer(RO), 1-Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency, Minga Sherpa, to contest the General Lok Sabha Elections taking the total number of candidates to 38.
As per the official details, 38 candidates filed nomination papers for the Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency.
The independent candidates who filed their Nomination Papers on the last day include Prince Parvez, Shafeeqa Begum, Bilal Ahmad Wani, Syed Ameer Suhail, Mohammad Sultan Ganaie, Shahdib Hanief Khan, Ghulam Nabi Parray, Dr Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, Ishfaq Ahmad Bhat, Ashiq Hussain, Shabir Ahmad Malik, Mohammad Abdullah Khan, Haamid Hussain Bhat, Firdous Ahmad Bhat, Shabir Ahmad Dar and Arun Kumar Raina.
Similarly, Munir Ahmad Khan from the National People’s Front, Mehraj ud Din Ahanger from All J&K Kissan Mazdoor Party and Suraya Nissar from the National Republic Party of India filed their nomination papers before the RO for 1-Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency.
Jammu and Kashmir’s former chief minister and National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah, People’s Conference president Sajad Lone, PDP leader Mir Fayaz, and former MLA Sheikh Abdul Rashid who is currently incarcerated have also filed nominations from Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency. The polling in the constituency is scheduled to take place on May 20.