The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Leh, organised a Legal Awareness Programme at the DC Conference Hall, Leh, on February 20 to commemorate the World Day of Social Justice.

Observed globally, the day aims to promote social justice, equality, human rights, and equal opportunities for all, particularly for marginalised and vulnerable sections of society.

The programme was attended by Wangail Tsering, Sub-Judge and Secretary, DLSA Leh; Advocate Phuntsog Stobgyal, Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel; Advocate Tsering Laskit, Panel Lawyer; workers of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS); DLSA staff members; and Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs). Their presence reflected a collective commitment to ensuring access to justice for all.

Addressing the gathering, Wangail Tsering highlighted the significance of the World Day of Social Justice and emphasised the need to ensure equal access to justice for every citizen, particularly women and children from vulnerable sections of society. He apprised participants of the various legal safeguards available for their protection and welfare and elaborated on the free legal aid services provided by DLSA to eligible beneficiaries. He also briefly spoke about the Victim Compensation Scheme in POCSO cases, stressing the provision of financial and rehabilitative support to child victims.

Advocate Phuntsog Stobgyal underscored the vital role of legal awareness in strengthening social justice. He explained the procedure for availing legal aid services through DLSA and encouraged participants to seek timely legal remedies whenever required.

Advocate Tsering Laskit gave a detailed overview of the provisions of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. She explained the rights of aggrieved women under the Act, including protection orders, residence orders, monetary relief, custody orders, and compensation.

She further informed participants about the procedure for filing complaints, the role of Protection Officers, and the legal remedies available to ensure immediate and effective protection against domestic violence.

The programme concluded with an engaging interactive session during which participants raised queries and received clarifications from the resource persons.