GANDERBAL, JULY 23: In pursuance of Regulation 11 of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) (Free & Competent Legal Aid) Regulations, 2010, the Monitoring and Mentoring Committee of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Ganderbal convened a meeting today at the Conference Hall, District Court Complex, Ganderbal to review the functioning and performance of the Legal Aid Defence Counsels (LADCs) and Panel Lawyers engaged in providing free legal services.
The meeting was chaired by Abdul Nasir, Chairman, DLSA (Principal District & Sessions Judge), Ganderbal, in the presence of Sheikh Babar Hussain, Secretary, DLSA Ganderbal, and Adv. Sajad Hyder Salathi, Member, Monitoring and Mentoring Committee.
During the meeting, the Committee undertook a comprehensive review of legal aid cases and expressed satisfaction with the overall functioning of the Legal Aid Defence Counsels. However, it observed that in certain matters, particularly before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), some Panel Lawyers are not appearing personally and instead deputing junior advocates. The Committee directed all Panel Lawyers to ensure their personal appearance in assigned matters henceforth and to discharge their professional responsibilities with sincerity, diligence and commitment.
The Committee further reiterated that legal aid cases shall continue to be assigned by the Secretary, DLSA in a fair, transparent and equitable manner among Panel Lawyers , while maintaining proper records of all assignments. However, Deputy Chief LADC was also directed to ensure equitable distribution of cases among LADCs under strict control of Secretary DLSA Ganderbal
Emphasizing accountability, all LADCs were directed to maintain a daily work diary and submit consolidated monthly reports to the DLSA through the Deputy LADC. The Committee also stressed punctuality, professional conduct and adherence to the standards prescribed under the Modified Legal Aid Defence Counsel Scheme, 2022.
The Committee expressed concern over the non-updation of case proceedings on the NALSA Portal despite previous directions. All LADCs and Panel Lawyers were directed to update the proceedings of all assigned legal aid cases on the NALSA Portal regularly and ensure that all pending updates are completed by 31st July, 2026. It was further resolved that failure to comply with these directions within the stipulated time may invite appropriate action under the applicable rules and guidelines, including withholding of honorarium wherever warranted.
The Committee also discussed the importance of regular capacity building and legal awareness activities. It has observed that participation in training programmes and legal awareness initiatives is an integral part of the responsibilities of Panel Lawyers and LADCs. In this regard, all concerned were informed that a Two-Day Training-cum-Orientation Programme has already been scheduled for 29 and 30 July, 2026, and all LADCs and Panel Lawyers were directed to attend the programme without fail.
The Committee further directed all Panel Lawyers and LADCs to ensure timely submission of case updates, reports and other information to the DLSA Office to facilitate effective monitoring of legal aid services.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the Committee’s commitment to strengthening the legal aid delivery system and ensuring that free and competent legal services are provided efficiently, professionally and in accordance with the objectives of NALSA.
