SHOPIAN, OCTOBER, 10: In a significant move aimed at decongesting prisons and safeguarding the rights of under-trials, a team from the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Shopian today conducted a dedicated visit to the Special Jail in Pulwama.
The visit was planned to gather crucial data for the upcoming Under-Trial Review Committee (UTRC) meeting.
The delegation was led by Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC),DLSA Shopian, Rafie Ahmad Ganie and was accompanied by Deputy Chief LADC and Assistant LADC.
The primary objective of the visit was to identify under-trial prisoners who are eligible for early release with a specific focus on those who may be considered for bail or other forms of relief in the forthcoming UTRC meeting.
The team conducted a meticulous review of case records and held detailed interactions with the inmates to assess their individual circumstances.
During the interactions, the legal team verified the status of pending cases, the duration of incarceration and the legal avenues available for each inmate. Special attention was paid to inmates who have been detained for periods exceeding the potential sentence for their alleged offences, those who are ill, elderly or juveniles as per the guidelines of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts directed by NALSA and the J&K Legal Services Authority (JKLSA) to ensure access to justice and the humane treatment of prisoners.
