Top Stories

District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Srinagar on 25/07/2024 organized an awareness program on Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015, Childs Custody, Guardianship and Right to Education at Juvenile Observation Home, Harwan, Srinagar, which was held under the able guidance of Mr. Jawad Ahmed, Chairman District Legal Services Authority Srinagar (PDJ, Srinagar).
The program shed light on crucial aspects like child custody, guardianship, and the right to education, ensuring that the youth at the observation home were fully informed of their legal rights and avenues for protection.
Ms. Tasneem Kausar, Deputy Legal Aid Defense Counsel and Ms. Sehar Nazir, Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel shed light on the complexities of child custody, guardianship, and the importance of accessing quality education for children. They engaged the juvenile residents in interactive discussions, fostering their understanding of their legal rights and responsibilities.
The primary objective of this program was to empower juveniles by equipping them with knowledge about their rights and legal options. It aimed to foster a sense of confidence and awareness within the observation home, ultimately contributing to a more supportive and protective environment for children.
The program was attended by the Superintendent of Observation Home, officials of the Juvenile Observation Home, official & Para Legal Volunteers of DLSA Srinagar and inmates of observation home. The attendees actively participated in discussions and raised questions about the Act’s implementation and the challenges faced in providing adequate care and rehabilitation for children in their custody.
These awareness programmes is a step towards ensuring that children in conflict with the law and in need of care are provided with the necessary support and opportunities for rehabilitation.”

Srinagar 23/July /2024: District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Srinagar today in collaboration with Government Girls Higher Secondary School Chanapora Srinagar organized an awareness programs on “Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013, Protection of Women from Domestic Violence, family Disputes and Inheritance Rights’’ at Legal Literacy Club, Government Girls Higher Secondary School Chanapora Srinagar. The awareness programme was held under the able guidance of Mr. Jawad Ahmed, Chairman of District Legal Services Authority Srinagar (PDJ, Srinagar), aimed to educate students and staff members about the legal provisions and remedies available to women .
The program was attended by the principal, staff members of the Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School Chanapora Srinagar, Social Worker from Special cell for women and children, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel, & Para-legal volunteers of the District Legal Services Authority, Srinagar and the students enthusiastically participated in the programme.
Ms. Urba Rashid, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel, delivering a comprehensive overview of the “Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013” and inheritance rights. She shed light on the various forms of sexual harassment, the legal provisions in place to prevent and address such incidents, and the procedures for seeking redressal. Ms. Urba also provided insights into inheritance rights, empowering the participants with knowledge regarding their entitlements in family property matters.
Ms. Nowsheeda Majeed, Social Worker from Special cell for women and children, srinagar addressed the critical issues of domestic violence and family disputes. She provided a thorough understanding of the “Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act,” outlining the various forms of domestic violence, the legal remedies available to victims, and the processes for seeking protection orders. She also highlighted the importance of family courts in resolving disputes and the various options available for mediation and reconciliation.
The awareness programme proved to be a resounding success, fostering a deeper understanding of these legal issues among the student and empowering them with the knowledge to navigate such situations effectively. DLSA Srinagar remains dedicated to organizing such programs, ensuring that individuals are informed about their legal rights and have the resources to seek justice when necessary.

District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Srinagar, organized a Recreational cum Awareness Programme for Senior Citizens on Saturday, July 20, 2024. Held at Aha-ta-e-Waqar Chanapora, Srinagar, the event was in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department and the Department of Health Services Kashmir. The programme was held under the guidance of Jawad Ahmed, Chairman DLSA Srinagar (PDJ, Srinagar), focused on the subject “Women’s Role in Enhancing Senior Citizens’ Well-Being.” It aimed to highlight the vital contributions of women in promoting the wellbeing of senior citizens.

Naseema Lankar, the chief guest, shared her insightful experiences from visiting old age homes in countries like Japan and imparted valuable lessons learned from her grandparents. She emphasized the importance of compassion and support for the elderly, noting that “a society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable members, and women play a pivotal role in this regard.” She also called for more community-driven initiatives to support senior citizens.

Dr. Sameena, Principal of Higher Secondary School Chanapora, delivered an engaging speech on the dual role of women in caring for senior citizens and nurturing the younger generation. She stressed the significance of instilling strong moral values and empathy in the youth to ensure a supportive society for the elderly. Other Speakers Ms. Ruksana, Ms. Saika, and Ms. Shokiya from Radio Kashmir, who provided their perspectives on the subject. Their discussions highlighted the community’s role in fostering a caring environment for senior citizens.

Ms. Sagufta, a poet, added a cultural dimension to the event by sharing her poetry books and reciting poems that resonated with the theme. Her literary contributions were well-received and underscored the power of art in raising awareness about social issues.

Dr. Laila Sultana , who moderated the event, provided additional insights and facilitated meaningful discussions. She also thanked the staff members and senior citizen members of Ahata Waqar for making the program a successful and impactful one.

Overall, the event underscored the essential role of women in promoting the wellbeing of senior citizens, highlighting that a collaborative effort is required to create a supportive and compassionate community for the elderly.

In accordance with the J&K Legal Service Authority calendar for the year 2024, District Legal Services Authority Srinagar organized a Special Lok Adalat aimed at the amicable settlement of Bank Recovery cases and was held at District Court Complex Mominabad, Srinagar, under the able guidance of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Tashi Rabstan, Chief Justice (Acting) High Court of J&K and Ladakh. The Special Lok Adalat was conducted under the supervision of Mr. Jawad Ahmed, Chairman of the District Legal Services Authority (Pr. District & Sessions Judge) Srinagar.
The Lok Adalat serves as a transformative mechanism for resolving disputes by offering a platform for parties to settle their differences amicably, Lok Adalats play a crucial role in promoting social harmony and fostering a more just and equitable society.
One bench was constituted for the said Lok-Adalat for the amicable settlement of Bank Recovery Cases, which was presided over by Mr. Arvind Sharma (Addl. District & Sessions Judge, Bank Cases) Srinagar and Ms. Arti Mohan (Presiding Officer POCSO Court) Srinagar.
The primary objective of the Lok Adalat for bank recovery cases was to ensure prompt and affordable resolutions, thereby alleviating the burden on the conventional court system. Participants were enabled to negotiate settlements, leading to mutually agreeable outcomes that avoid the prolonged stresses typical of formal judicial proceedings.

Srinagar, July 20, 2024: Justice Tashi Rabstan, Chief Justice (Acting), High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, today inaugurated the Legal Literacy Club (LLC) at Bilaliya Educational Institute, Baghwanpora, Lal Bazar, Srinagar. Justice Tashi was accompanied by Mr. Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary J&K Legal Services Authority and was warmly received by Mr. Jawad Ahmed, Chairman DLSA (PDJ) Srinagar, Mr. Jahangir Ahmad Bakshi, Secretary DLSA Srinagar, Mr. Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, Chairman Bilaliya Educational Institute, Dr. Tawseef Ahmad Bhat, Co-ordinator, and other teaching and administrative staff of the institute.
Justice Tashi Rabstan in his continuous efforts to reach out to every part of the region also inaugurated the Legal Literacy Club at Crescent Public School, Naseem Bagh, Srinagar, where he was cordially welcomed by Mr. Shakeel Ahmad Dar, Chairman Crescent Public School, Mr. Karttik Chopra, Philanthropist, alongside the teaching and administrative staff.
During these inaugurations, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Tashi Rabstan held interactions with the newly enrolled student members and teacher in charge of these Legal Literacy Clubs. He emphasized the critical role of Legal Literacy Clubs in fostering a legally aware and informed society. Justice Tashi highlighted the importance of active and positive engagement of students in addressing legal and societal issues, urging the Incharge to motivate and guide students in understanding their rights and responsibilities.
Mr. Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary J&K Legal Services Authority, briefed the media on the continuous efforts by the J&K Legal Services Authority and DLSA’s in establishing an informed society by reaching out to schools across the region. He informed that Srinagar District now hosts 11 Legal Literacy Clubs, including the two LLCs inaugurated today. Mr. Gupta stressed the significance of positively engaging with the youth, channeling their energy towards societal welfare and nation-building.
These initiatives underscore the commitment of the Legal Service Institutions and educational sector in Jammu and Kashmir to empower the younger generation with legal knowledge, fostering a future of informed and responsible citizens.

SRINAGAR, JULY 19: Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has intensified its drive against non-payment of electricity bills and remotely disconnected thousands of smart-metered consumers.

Similarly, in flat-rated areas, those consumers who haven’t paid their pending dues for months together are being physically disconnected, till they clear their bills with KPDCL.

In a press statement issued here today, a KPDCL spokesperson stated that fervent appeals have been made urging consumers to pay their bills on time. He further stated that KPDCL is a Service Provider that needs timely clearance of bills by all categories of consumers for electricity supplied to remain economically viable.

While 1,134 smart-metered consumers were disconnected in Electric Division Chanapora on Thursday, electricity supply of 440 consumers in ESD Baramulla I, 240 in ESD Baramulla II and 228 in ESD Qazigund were also snapped.

Large number of consumers are being remotely disconnected across other Subdivisions of Habba Kadal, Watalkadal, Hawal, Anantnag, Kupwara, Handwara, Sopore, Budgam, Chadoora, Zainakote, Zakura, Nishat and Dalgate for not paying bills for over three months,” he added.

Seeking cooperation from all consumers in clearing pending dues, the spokesman said that KPDCL will further accelerate disconnection drives against defaulter consumers who are reluctant to pay their electricity bills on time.

Urging the consumers with huge opening balance to avail the benefits of Government’s Power Amnesty Scheme, the spokesman advised them to approach the concerned Electric Subdivision for paying principal amount in full or instalments, enabling them to claim waiver on late payment surcharge.

“To facilitate the consumers, KPDCL is organising Amnesty Camps on daily basis across all Electric Divisions and so far, over 1 lakh domestic consumers have availed the benefits of the scheme,” he added.

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Tashi Rabstan was accorded a warm reception by Mr. Jawad Ahmed, Principal District & Sessions Judge, Srinagar, along with other judicial officers of District Srinagar. Hon’ble Mr. Justice Tashi Rabstan engaged in an interactive session with the judicial officers, where he expressed his keen interest in the overall efficacy of the justice delivery system. His Lordship compassionately listened to the concerns and issues raised by the judicial officers and assured prompt redressal, reflecting his dedication in improving the judicial processes and infrastructure.
During the visit, Mr. Jawad Ahmed gave a detailed presentation on the ongoing developmental projects within the District Court Complex, which included comprehensive insights into the Phase-II construction of the District Court Complex, which aims to enhance the capacity and facilities of the judicial infrastructure, installation of CCTV cameras within courtrooms. He also highlighted the urgent need of upgraded security arrangements within the court complex. He emphasizing the efforts to ensure a safe and secure environment for all stakeholders. The visit of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Tashi Rabstan underscored his commitment to fostering a robust and efficient judicial system.

The meeting, chaired by Mr. Jawad Ahmed, Principal District & Session Judge (Chairman DLSA) Srinagar, witnessed active participation from key stakeholders, including senior officials from the judiciary, police, administration, and medical fraternity. The committee reviewed the cases of 41 under trial prisoners, engaging in thorough discussions and deliberations to ensure fair and expedited trials.
Each case was meticulously examined, and after thoughtful consideration, the committee formulated suitable recommendations tailored to the specific circumstances of each individual. The meeting aimed to streamline the criminal justice system and uphold the principles of equity and justice.
Mr. Jawad Ahmed, Chairman of the meeting, emphasized the paramount importance of UTRC gatherings in ensuring fair and expedited trials for under trial prisoners. He underscored the need for regular initiatives such as these to strengthen the criminal justice system and protect the rights of under trial prisoners.
The meeting was attended by Mr. Ashish Mishra, S.S.P Srinagar; Mr. Syed Ahmad Kataria, ADC Srinagar; Mr. Sheikh Zulfikar Azad, SSP, Central Jail Srinagar; Mr. Jahangir Ahmad Bakshi, Secretary DLSA Srinagar; Ms. Meena Gowhar, Public Prosecuting Officer, Srinagar; Dr. Sheikh Athar Senior Medical Officer, Central Jail Srinagar; Mr. Saad Ganie, Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel; and Ms. Zulfi Tasneem, Deputy Legal Aid Counsel.
District Legal Services Authority Srinagar is committed to ensuring that the rights of under trial prisoners are protected, and that they receive fair and speedy trials. The UTRC meetings are a crucial step towards achieving this goal.