In India, Legal Awareness Week is not officially designated. But still, many institutions across India observe it from 9th November to 14th November every year to promote vigilance and awareness in legal matters.
9th November is the day designated as the National Legal Services Day by the Supreme Court of India in 1995. This was the day when the Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987 was enacted with the sole purpose of promoting general legal awareness among the masses and making them aware of the availability of free legal aid for all citizens – especially those from marginalised communities.
To celebrate the day, the institutions and State Legal Services Authorities organise legal awareness programmes, seminars and public outreach programs. In keeping with the tradition, we at SMS Law College, Varanasi, organised a Legal Awareness Programme in co-operation with the District Legal Service Authority (DLSA) on the 12th of November, 2024.
Legal Awareness Programme at SMS Law College, Varanasi
As part of the nationwide celebration of Legal Awareness Week, our Legal Awareness Programme reinforced the importance of equal access to justice in our law students.
We were honoured to have Shri Vijay Kumar Vishwakarma, Additional District and Sessions Judge and Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, as the esteemed Chief Guest of our awareness programme. In his keynote address, Shri Vishwakarma highlighted the importance of providing free legal aid to people who have economic constraints and need to exercise their rights.
Dr Prabhat Kumar Srivastava, Principal of SMS Law College, commenced the session with a warm welcome and an insightful overview of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. He shared how this Act rooted in Article 39-A of the Indian Constitution reflects the core goals of vigilance and awareness in legal matters. It:
- mandates the state to provide free legal aid to weaker sections of society, and
- facilitates the organisation of Lok Adalats for the amicable settlement of disputes.
He also encouraged BA LLB students to participate in free legal aid clinics to hone their skills and play their part in bettering society.
Significance of Legal Awareness Week and National Legal Services Day
Legal Awareness Week starts with the National Legal Services Day – celebrated on 9th November every year. It was first instated in 1995 by the Supreme Court of India. The main intention behind the institution of this day was to promote general legal awareness and make people understand the urgent need of legal aid across the country.
National Legal Services Day also serves as a reminder of the judiciary’s role in upholding democracy and making sure that those who are economically disadvantaged can get access to justice.
Legal Awareness Week provides a platform for activities such as:
- Workshops on the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
- Awareness programmes about free legal aid schemes.
- Legal literacy initiatives to educate citizens about their rights.
- Lok Adalats aimed at resolving disputes amicably.
These efforts by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and its affiliates ensure that legal literacy reaches even the most remote and underprivileged communities.
Key Highlights of the Programme
The session at SMS Law College emphasised the historical evolution of the Legal Services Authorities Act and its implementation over the years. The Chief Guest elaborated on the need for vigilance and awareness in empowering citizens to seek legal remedies.
The event also included an engaging discussion on:
- The role of Lok Adalats in promoting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
- The significance of community participation in awareness programmes.
- Success stories of legal aid benefitting weaker sections of society.
The presence of esteemed faculty members, including Dr Ashraya Dubey, Dr Upasana Wali, Dr Sangeeta Singh, and Mr Avinash Roy, enriched the session with academic perspectives on general legal awareness. The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Mr Ankit Rai, Coordinator of the SMS Law College Legal Aid Clinic.
Broader Impact of Legal Awareness Initiatives
The Government of India, through its Department of Justice, continues to implement innovative initiatives to popularise legal literacy and constitutional awareness. Programmes like the “Citizens’ Duties Awareness Programme” (CDAP) and campaigns such as “Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman” aim to empower citizens across urban and rural areas.
As part of the nationwide effort, NALSA regularly organises legal awareness programmes, including:
- Legal camps and outreach campaigns in over 2.5 lakh gram panchayats.
- Digital campaigns to educate citizens on fundamental duties and legal rights.
- Lok Adalats and mega legal camps to provide on-the-spot dispute resolution.
In the fiscal year 2023-24 alone, over 30,000 legal awareness camps were held, benefitting more than 11 lakh citizens. These initiatives reinforce the essence of vigilance and awareness, ensuring that justice reaches the last mile.
Why Legal Awareness Week Matters?
Legal Awareness Week is more than a series of events; it is a movement to create a just and equitable society. By fostering general legal awareness and providing avenues for legal assistance, it ensures that justice is not a privilege but a right accessible to all. The programmes conducted this week inspire individuals to become informed citizens who are aware of their rights and responsibilities.
As we reflect on the success of Legal Awareness Week 2024, let us acknowledge the collective effort of institutions like SMS Law College and DLSA in advancing the cause of legal literacy and justice. These initiatives pave the way for a more empowered and vigilant society.
By actively participating in these awareness programmes, we can contribute to a society where no one is deprived of justice, and every individual is equipped with the knowledge to exercise their rights.
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