Srinagar: Supreme Court Judge, Justice Ranjan Gogoi, who is also the Executive Chairman, National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) Wednesday inaugurated the one-day State Level Conference on “Empowering the Marginalized through Legal Services” in presence of Justice N V Ramana, Judge Supreme Court of India at SKICC here Wednesday.
The conference was organized by High Court of Jammu and Kashmir in collaboration with National Legal Services Authority of India, (NLSA), J&K State Legal Services Authority (JKSLSA) and J&K High Court Legal Services Committee.
On the occasion, Chief Guest, Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the need of the hour is to provide benefits to underprivileged sections by providing legal aid at their doorsteps. He also said NLSA and SLSA provide the opportunity to bring the marginalised at par through legal services.
During the occasion, Justice N V Ramana presented a keynote address. In his speech, he maintained that access to justice and rule of law to weaker sections of society are signs of development and of a prosperous country. “People are equal before the law, but the problem which is still persistent is that marginalized are unaware of their legal right,” he added.
Justice Ramana stressed upon sensitization of the underprivileged. “Unfortunately legal aid is still treated as charity and people at the helm of affairs like lawyers, paralegal volunteers should come forward to make these people aware these people about legal law, welfare schemes and policies,” he added.
Acting Chief Justice of J&K, High Court Alok Aradhe presented a welcome address at the conference. During his speech, Justice Aradhe said the aim of the conference is to make weaker and marginalized section of society aware about the existence of legal services institutions and availability of free legal services.
At the end of the inaugural session, Justice, Ali Mohammad Magrey, Chairman J&K, High Court Legal Services Committee presented the vote of thanks to the guests.
Advocate General, Jehangir Iqbal Ganaie, Chief Secretary, BB Vyas, DGP SP Vaid and other officers of administration participated in the conference.
