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The DSLSA Central Office, in association with DLSA Shahdara, North East, and East, organized the Inaugural Function of the Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) Offices of the three districts on 05 December 2025 at the Karkardooma Court Complex, Delhi. The event was held in the august presence of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, Chief Justice, High Court of Delhi & Patron-in-Chief, DSLSA, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The ceremony was also honoured by the presence of Hon’ble Mr. Justice V. Kameswar Rao, Judge, High Court of Delhi & Executive Chairman, DSLSA, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Subramonium Prasad, Judge High Court of Delhi.

A ceremony began with the flagging off of the Digital Learning Bus Initiative by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, Chief Justice, High Court of Delhi & Patron-in-Chief, DSLSA in presence of Hon’ble Mr. Justice V. Kameswar Rao, Judge, High Court of Delhi & Executive Chairman, DSLSA, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Subramonium Prasad, Judge, High Court of Delhi and other Hon’ble dignitaries. The Digital Learning Bus was launched by this Authority in collaboration with SOS Children’s Villages India. The Digital Learning Bus was equipped with computers, curated e-learning modules, and trained facilitators, designed to bridge the digital divide and bring technology directly to underserved communities across Delhi. The Bus will operate in a phased intervention format across East, North-East, and Shahdara districts where the students of age group between 10 to 23 years having family income less than 3Lacs P.A. shall be offered computer courses with certification. The Digital Learning Bus shall impart training in three batches at Geeta Colony and Shastri Park area.

Thereafter, the dignitaries inaugurated the Legal Aid Defence Counsel Offices of East, North East, and Shahdara districts, marking a significant step toward strengthening the legal aid framework across Delhi.

Following this, the Hon’ble dignitaries lightened the lamp, followed by the welcome address delivered by Ms. Sukhvinder Kaur, Principal District & Sessions Judge (East). The programme proceeded with introductory address by Sh. Rajeev Bansal, Ld. Member Secretary, DSLSA, the keynote address by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Subramonium Prasad, Judge, High Court of Delhi, followed by a motivational address by Hon’ble Mr. Justice V. Kameswar Rao, Judge, High Court of Delhi. and with the Presidential Address by Hon’ble the Mr. Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, Chief Justice, High Court of Delhi.

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, Chief Justice, High Court of Delhi & Patron-in-Chief, DSLSA, Hon’ble Mr. Justice V. Kameswar Rao, Judge, High Court of Delhi and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Subramonium Prasad, Judge, High Court of Delhi addressed the gathering and elaborated on the transformative potential of the LADC System. They emphasized the constitutional vision of access to justice and highlighted the need for skilled, independent, and accountable legal defence services for indigent and disadvantaged persons. Their insightful observations and motivating words received deep appreciation from all attendees.

The ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Sh. Sanjay Sharma-I, Ld. Principal District & Sessions Judge (Shahdara), followed by the National Anthem. The Ld. Judicial Officers, newly empanelled Chief Legal Defence Counsel, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsels, members of the Shahdara Bar Council, panel LSAs, PLVs, and office staff were present at the programme.

DSLSA organized a “WALKATHON – Youth Against Drugs: Walk for a Healthy and Safe Future” with the enthusiastic participation of children from the Delhi Tamil Education Association, Lodhi Estate. The event was graced by the august presence of Hon’ble Mr. Justice V. Kameswar Rao, Judge, High Court of Delhi/Executive Chairperson, DSLSA, as the Chief Guest and other honorable dignitaries’. The programme commenced at 07:30 AM, during which Hon’ble Mr. Justice V. Kameswar Rao, Judge, High Court of Delhi and Executive Chairperson, DSLSA interacted warmly with the children, encouraging them to adopt a healthy lifestyle and remain aware of the ill effects of drug abuse. 355 persons participated in the Walkathon.

Hon’ble Mr. Justice V. Kameswar Rao, Judge, High Court of Delhi/Executive Chairperson, DSLSA, flagged off the Walkathon at India Gate Circle, leading the participants as they commenced their walk towards Patiala House Court, New Delhi. Judicial Officers, Teachers, Students and the staff of DSLSA & DLSA New Delhi took part with great zeal, holding placards and raising awareness slogans “ड्रग भगाओ, जीवन बचाओ”.

Following this, Hon’ble Mr. Justice V. Kameswar Rao, Judge, High Court of Delhi/Executive Chairperson, DSLSA, delivered an insightful and impactful address at Patiala House Courts, highlighting the dangers of drug use and the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding youth from substance abuse. He also engaged in a meaningful interaction with the students and teachers, motivating them to become ambassadors of a drug-free society. The programme concluded with all participants taking a solemn pledge for a “Drug-Free Youth and Society,” reaffirming their commitment to promoting health, safety and awareness.

On October 13, 2025, the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) convened an intensive training-cum-orientation programme for 50 newly inducted officers of the Delhi Judicial Services, coinciding with their institutional attachment to the Authority. The programme was meticulously designed to impart an in-depth understanding of the statutory framework and operational dynamics of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, thereby acquainting the trainee officers with the multifaceted mandate and structural composition of the legal services institutions.

The interactive session was graced by the august presence of senior officers of the DSLSA, namely, Sh. Rajeev Bansal, Ld. Member Secretary, Ms. Tanvi Khurana, Ld. Special Secretary, Sh. Mridul Gupta, Ld. Additional Secretary and Sh. Abhinav Pandey, Ld. Secretary, (Litigation). The dignitaries elucidated upon the conceptual foundations, legislative intent, and institutional responsibilities envisaged under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, as well as the pivotal role of the DSLSA and District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in effectuating the constitutional promise of access to justice. Furthermore, Ms. Tanvi Khurana, Ld. Special Secretary, Sh. Mridul Gupta, Ld. Additional Secretary delivered a comprehensive exposition on the Delhi Victims’ Compensation Scheme, 2018, delineating its procedural intricacies and jurisprudential significance.

The post-lunch session entailed the formal attachment of the trainee Judicial Officers with the Secretaries of various DLSAs for a structured practical training module, which is scheduled to continue until October 18, 2025. This field attachment has been envisaged to provide the officers with immersive exposure to the functional modalities of critical legal service domains, encompassing Front Offices, Children’s Homes, Legal Services at Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs), Legal Services Clinics at Jails, Legal Services at Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), Help Desks, and Police Stations, thereby fostering a pragmatic comprehension of the legal aid delivery mechanisms.

Law Centre-I, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, had sent an invitation on 04.10.2025 for an Orientation Programme. Sh. Rajeev Bansal, Ld. Member Secretary, DSLSA, Rouse Avenue Courts, Delhi, graciously attended the event and addressed the gathering of around 200 students with his esteemed presence.

In his address, Sh. Rajeev Bansal, Ld. Member Secretary, DSLSA expressed that it was an honour to be part of the Orientation Programme, which brought together teachers, practitioners, and aspiring law students. He emphasized that law is ever-evolving and rooted in justice, which requires balancing rights and duties in every circumstance. Citing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he highlighted that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” and explained how DSLSA works to ensure access to justice for the weaker and vulnerable sections of society through free legal aid, victim compensation, legal literacy, and Lok Adalats.

He encouraged students to combine intellect with compassion, reminding them that every case represents a human story. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he urged them to find purpose through service. He concluded by saying that law is not merely a profession but a noble service that upholds justice through fairness, empathy, and action.

On 26.09.2025, the Delhi Judicial Academy, Dwarka, organized a comprehensive training programme on two significant aspects of criminal law—Plea Bargaining and Compounding of Offences. The said session was taken by Sh. Mridul Gupta, Ld. Additional Secretary, DSLSA, who explained the nuances of both concepts in detail. The first session focused on Plea Bargaining, where participants were informed about the eligibility criteria, application process, and the guidelines prescribed for arriving at a mutually satisfactory settlement. The session also addressed the disposal of cases upon such settlement, the finality of judgments delivered through this process, the impact on sentencing, and the timelines introduced by the BNSS to ensure expeditious proceedings. It emphasized the role of plea bargaining in reducing delays and enhancing access to justice.

The second session highlighted the concept of Compounding of Offences and covered the categories of compoundable offences, the competence of parties to compound, and the procedure for recording a valid compromise. The discussion further explained the effect of compounding in matters involving both compoundable and non-compoundable offences and its consequences on sentencing. The training programme thus provided participants with practical insights and reinforced the importance of these mechanisms in ensuring fairness, efficiency, and timely delivery of justice.

New Delhi, September 16, 2025: A special interview telecast on Apna Mulk Aaeen (DD Urdu) featured Sh. Rajeev Bansal, Ld. Member Secretary, DSLSA, New Delhi, along with Advocate Mishika, who discussed the provisions of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (DV Act) and the benefits of free legal aid services available through the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA).

During the discussion, Sh. Rajeev Bansal, Ld. Member Secretary, DSLSA explained that domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse but also includes emotional, economic, and sexual abuse. Unlike Section 498A IPC, where women depend on the police to register an FIR, under Section 12 of the DV Act women can directly approach the Magistrate’s Court for relief. Interim relief, maintenance, residence orders, and custody rights are all covered under the Act. The responsibility of providing financial support can fall on adult male relatives such as the husband, father-in-law, or even sons, while offenders under 18 may also face action. Importantly, the Act provides protection for elderly women facing harassment, including from daughters-in-law. Women who fear losing their homes are also safeguarded, as courts can allow them to remain in the shared household or direct the respondent to provide alternative accommodation or compensation.

The interview further highlighted that non-compliance with court orders under Section 31 of the Act invites strict penalties, including imprisonment up to one year and/or a fine of ₹20,000. The Act directs that cases should ideally be resolved within 60 days, though delays are possible. Women without basic means of survival can be granted interim relief. Proceedings begin before the Magistrate’s Court, with appeals lying before the High Court and finally the Supreme Court. Sh. Rajeev Bansal also explained the process of filing a case under Section 12: a woman may file her complaint in the court where she resides, where the respondent resides, or where the cause of action arises. He further emphasized that free legal aid services are available at all Delhi District Courts through DSLSA, ensuring that women have access to legal representation without cost.
The programme also underlined that custody of children is an important aspect of the DV Act. Courts decide custody either in favour of the mother or father, depending on the circumstances, and also fix visitation rights—such as weekly, monthly, or fortnightly meetings—between the child and the non-custodial parent.

The Delhi State Legal Services Authority, under the National Legal Services Authority, has effectively conducted its 3rd National Lok Adalat for 2025 on 13th Spetember, 2025 across various judicial venues including District Court Complexes, the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi, Permanent Lok Adalats, Debt Recovery Tribunals, State Consumer Commission, and District Consumer Commissions.
In this National Lok Adalat, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Justice V. Kameswar Rao, Judge, High Court of Delhi/Executive Chairperson, DSLSA along with Ms. Anju Bajaj Chandna, Ld. Principal District & Sessions Judge, New Delhi District, Sh. Rajeev Bansal, Ld. Member Secretary, DSLSA, alongwith Ms. Tanvi Khurana, Ld. Special Secretary, DSLSA, Sh. Mridul Gupta, Ld. Additional Secretary, DSLSA and Sh. Abhinav Pandey, Ld. Secretary (Litigation), DSLSA and other dignitaries, personally visited the Patiala House Court Complex to personally oversee the arrangements for Lok Adalat. They interacted with Presiding Officers and Associate Members, acknowledging their role in ensuring efficient case resolution.

To provide support and assistance to the public, dedicated Help Desks were set up specifically for women and senior citizens at New Delhi District Court Complex. These help desks aimed to address their queries, offer guidance on available services, and ensure their needs were promptly met.
During the visit, His Lordship inspected various courts and facilities. He first observed proceedings in the Court dealing with bank matters, followed by a visit to the MACT Court, where he enquired about the percentage-wise rebate being granted. Thereafter, Hon’ble Justice visited the Civil Court and reviewed the proceedings in detail. He also visited the Challan Court to observe its functioning..
DSLSA engaged and involved 38 Transgenders, Senior Citizens, Acid Attack victims, Specially abled persons and people from North-Eastern Region to carry out with the aim of inclusivity in the decision-making process by deputing them as Associate Members in Lok Adalat Benches. Judicial Officers throughout Delhi very actively participated in Lok Adalat. Litigants actively joined the proceedings for settlement/amicable disposal of their cases.

A total of 380 Lok Adalat Benches in District Courts and in the High Court, Debt Recovery Tribunals, Consumer Forums, and Permanent Lok Adalats were constituted, referring 2,10,489 cases. The National Lok Adalat settled 1,61,622 cases with a settlement amount of Rs. 540.90 Crores. Highlights include the highest settlement of a 138NI Act case for Rs. 2.10 Lakhs and the resolution of an old case of the year 2016. Overall, the initiative marked a substantial achievement in dispute resolution and justice delivery.