SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 12: District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar conducted a comprehensive inspection of the Central Jail Srinagar and the Prison Legal Aid Clinic functioning within the jail premises to review the legal aid services and overall welfare measures being provided to inmates.
The inspection was carried out by Haq Nawaz Zargar, Chairman, District Legal Services Authority (Principal District & Sessions Judge) Srinagar, in the presence of Tabassum Qadir Parray, Sub-Judge/Secretary, District Legal Services Authority Srinagar; Sheikh Zulfikar Azad, Senior Superintendent of Central Jail Srinagar; Shahbaz Hussain Bhat, Deputy Superintendent, Central Jail Srinagar; Raja Zuhaib, SP East Srinagar; Medical Officers; and other officers and officials of the jail administration.
During the visit, the Chairman and Secretary, accompanied by the jail authorities, undertook a detailed inspection of all barracks and interacted extensively with inmates, including women prisoners. The team patiently heard the grievances and concerns raised by the inmates and assured them that their issues would be addressed in accordance with law. The inmates were also provided an open platform to share feedback regarding the legal aid services extended by District Legal Services Authority Srinagar.
The inspection covered a wide range of facilities within the jail premises, including the Jail Legal Aid Clinic, Welfare Block, Vocational Training Centre, Computer Training Centre, Music and Fine Arts Centre, Calligraphy Centre, Jail Hospital, Kitchen Area, Women Block, and the exclusive Women-Centric Tailoring Centre. Special attention was paid to the Medical Centre and the de-addiction facilities available to inmates, with emphasis on ensuring adequate healthcare and rehabilitation services.
The Chairman DLSA Srinagar, emphasized the importance of strengthening the Prison Legal Aid Clinic to ensure that every eligible inmate has timely access to free legal assistance. He further issued directions for streamlining the video conferencing facilities with the courts where the cases of jail inmates are pending trial. He further added that a cause list should be issued fortnightly and the trial courts should be informed beforehand about the pendency of the cases of the Undertrial prisoners.
Secretary District Legal Services Authority Srinagar was directed to coordinate between the jail authorities and the District Court so that legal aid counseling, and the statement of witnesses brought in the cases involving inmates are taken on priority.
The inspection served as a significant step towards safeguarding the rights, dignity, and welfare of prisoners and reaffirmed the commitment of District Legal Services Authority Srinagar to ensuring access to justice for all, including those lodged in custodial institutions.
