PASIGHAT, Feb 8,2026: In a significant step towards ensuring inclusive justice, Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi, Judge of the Ga...
PASIGHAT, Feb 8,2026: In a significant step towards
ensuring inclusive justice, Justice
Sanjay Kumar Medhi, Judge of the Gauhati High Court and Executive Chairman of
the Arunachal Pradesh Legal Services Authority (APSLSA), inaugurated Prison
Legal Aid Clinic at Sub-Jail Pasighat here today opening the door for free
legal services for prison inmates within the jail premises . He also addressed a legal awareness
programme organised for the inmates.
The initiative, organised by APSLSA under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), aims to provide timely legal assistance, awareness, and support to jail inmates ,undertrial prisoners, in keeping with the constitutional mandate of equal justice and strengthening the legal aid delivery system to reach every citizen.
Addressing the inaugural session, Justice Medhi highlighted
that geographical remoteness, limited access to legal institutions, and
linguistic diversity pose major challenges in accessing justice in case Arunachal
Pradesh, particularly for those coming into contact with the criminal justice
system. He emphasised that awareness of legal rights and timely access to justice /legal aid are fundamental
constitutional rights.
Stressing the importance of free legal aid made available
through District legal Services Authority (DLSA) , Justice Medhi said that
legal awareness must reach the “last man in the line” and the remotest corners
of the state, especially the marginalised and voiceless sections of society. He
noted that many inmates, particularly undertrials, remain in custody due to a
lack of awareness and access to timely legal services. He underscored the role
of Prison Legal Aid Clinics in ensuring timely access to justice through free legal services and support and
awareness about their rights.
Justice Medhi also emphasised the crucial role of paralegal
volunteers as key facilitators of legal awareness in local communities and as
instruments of reform within the prison system. He commended the efforts of the
District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), East Siang, .
Justice Budi Habung, Judge of the Gauhati High Court, in his
address, urged inmates to actively avail themselves of the free legal services
and support provided through the Prison Legal Aid Clinic at Sub-Jail, Pasighat and highlighted the spirit behind humane and equal justice for every citizen and urged inmates for reformation and good
conduct .
During the programme, inmates were familiarised with various
NALSA initiatives by Advocate Sunny Tayeng, Legal Aid Counsel; Advocate Nyame
Dabi, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel; and Yomge Ado, Member Secretary,
APSLSA. The session covered schemes for support to poor prisoners, legal aid
through the e-Prison portal, and NALSA flagship programmes such as Jagriti,
ASHA, DAWN, SAMVAD, SATHI, and LSUM. Information was also shared on
the NALSA Helpline (15100), legal services mobile units, the Arunachal Pradesh
Victim Compensation Scheme, 2024, and the roles and functions of Legal Services
Authorities and Legal Aid Clinics.
The programme was attended by SP Pankaj Lamba; ADC (HQ)
Pebika Lego; SDO (Judicial)-cum-Jail Superintendent; Sanjay Taram, Secretary,
DLSA East Siang; Epi Kapa, Member Secretary, APSLSA; Yomge Ado, District &
Sessions Judge and Chairperson, DLSA East Siang, Officer
in Charges, Parkegal
Volunteers,members of the e Bar , among others.
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