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An induction-cum-training program for counsellors was organized on 14th and 15th July, 2025. The aim of the program was to enhance the understanding and capacity of counsellors in dealing with child protection issues and psychological counselling. The training was conducted through field visits and technical sessions.

On Day-1 (14th,July, 2025) the newly appointed counsellors undertook exposure visits to the Integrated Complex at Sewa Kutir Complex, Kingsway Camp, Delhi. The day started with an orientation session conducted by the District Officer (North), who briefed the participants about the various services available at the Integrated Complex. Further, the participants visited key institutions including the Observation Home, Juvenile Justice Boards (JJB-I & III), Child Welfare Committee (CWC), District Office, and the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU). After that the participants proceeded to the Nirmal Chhaya Complex, Hari Nagar, New Delhi. There, the District Officer (West) conducted another orientation session about the services provided at the complex. The group visited several facilities including the Children’s Home for Girls, Child Welfare Committees I & VII, After Care Homes for Girls, Short Stay Home for Women, and the One Stop Centre.

On Day-2 (15th July, 2025), all the counsellors including those already working with DLSAs were given technical sessions at the Conference Hall, Central Office, DSLSA, Rouse Avenue. The session began with an interaction led by Ms. Tanvi Khurana, Special Secretary, Sh. Mridul Gupta, Additional Secretary, and Sh. Abhinav Pandey, Secretary (Litigation), DSLSA.
The first technical session was conducted by Dr. Amrita Pain, Assistant Professor (Psychology), IHBAS. She addressed the topic of “Counselling child victims of offences under the POCSO Act, focusing on case history, mental status examination, crisis intervention, and management strategies.” The second session was on “Management of survivors of rape, acid attack victims, substance use disorders, and matrimonial/family disputes” and the resource person of the session was Dr. Amrita Sahay, Assistant professor (Clinical professor (Psychology), IHBAS. Thereafter, Dr. Shipra, Associate Professor (Psychiatry), IHBAS, took the session on “Challenges in counselling vulnerable groups.” The training program concluded with rich discussions and insightful interactions, which enhanced the knowledge of the participants and equipped them with practical skills to deal with sensitive and complex counselling cases.

On 12th July 2025 (Saturday), the third day of the training programme began with the first technical session being conducted by Sh. Kumar Rahul, Secretary, New Delhi DLSA, who addressed key operational aspects of the legal aid system. His session covered front office interaction with legal aid beneficiaries, the importance of proper documentation, and an overview of the DSLSA Fee Schedule – 2017. He also highlighted various schemes run by NALSA and DSLSA and emphasized the effective use of technology for timely case up-dation. Total 164 participants were present in the session.

After a short break, Ms. Tapasya Agarwal, Secretary, Central DLSA, delivered an insightful session on personal laws. She explained the provisions related to divorce under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, the rights of Muslim women under the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, and the succession framework under the Hindu Succession Act, 1956. The session was well-received and helped deepen the participants’ understanding of gender-specific and religion-based laws in India.

Post lunch, Sh. Rishabh Tanwar, Secretary, North DLSA, provided a comprehensive overview of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881,. The final session of the day was conducted by Ms. Jyoti Maheshwari, ACJM-5, RADC. She focused on the newly enacted criminal laws—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshaya Adhiniyam. Her session marked a strong conclusion to the day and offered valuable insights into the legal reforms shaping the future of India’s justice delivery system.

The second day of the training programme commenced with an informative session by Sh. Abhinav Pandey, Secretary (Litigation), DSLSA. He elaborated on the Delhi Victims’ Compensation Scheme, 2018, explaining its purpose, eligibility, and procedure for granting compensation to victims of crimes. He further provided an overview of the POCSO Act, 2012, highlighting the legal safeguards for the protection of children from sexual offences. Total 164 participants were present in the session.

The next technical session was conducted by Sh. Mridul Gupta, Additional Secretary, DSLSA, from 11:45 AM to 01:00 PM. He discussed key civil remedies such as Injunctions and Interim Relief under Order 39 of the CPC, Specific Performance of Contracts, and Declaratory Relief, explaining their practical applicability and legal provisions in detail.

The afternoon session was taken by Sh. Sankalp Kapoor, Secretary, Shahdara DLSA, from 02:00 PM to 03:15 PM. He covered important provisions relating to Bail under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), focusing on Default Bail, and also discussed the concepts of Parole and Furlough and the principles of Sentencing, providing clarity on their legal framework and recent developments.

The final session of the day was delivered by Sh. Paras Dalal, ACJM-01, Rouse Avenue District Court (RADC), from 03:30 PM to 04:45 PM. He explained the provisions of the Court Fees Act and the Suits Valuation Act, emphasizing the calculation of court fees and the proper valuation of civil suits.

The first day training programme commenced with the welcome address delivered by Sh. Rajeev Bansal, Ld. Member Secretary, DSLSA, who warmly greeted the participants and set the context for the sessions ahead. Total number of participants were 177 in the session.

The first technical session was conducted by Ms. Tanvi Khurana, Special Secretary, DSLSA, Sh. Mridul Gupta, Additional Secretary, DSLSA, and Sh. Abhinav Pandey, Secretary (Litigation), DSLSA. They collectively provided an overview of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, focusing on the roles and responsibilities of Legal Services Advocates (LSAs). This insightful session laid the foundation for the participants’ understanding of the Act.

The next session, was conducted by Ms. Kanika Jain, Secretary, North West DLSA. She delivered an informative session on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and the laws relating to the maintenance of wife, highlighting key provisions and practical aspects.
After that Sh. Sushant Changotra, Special Judge (PC Act) (CBI)-23, delivered an engaging lecture on the Art of Examination and Cross-Examination of Witnesses, providing valuable insights on courtroom practices.

The final session of the day conducted by Sh. Prashant Sharma, Special Judge (PC Act) (CBI)-15, who gave a comprehensive overview of the Law of Evidence under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). He covered important topics such as the exhibition of documents, admissibility and relevancy of documentary evidence, primary and secondary evidence, and electronic evidence.

Delhi State Legal Services Authority organized a half day Orientation Programme for NALSA Interns on 07.07.2025. Total number of participants were 24.

On the Orientation Day, Sh. Rajiv Bansal, Ld. Member Secretary, Ms. Tanvi Khurana, Ld. Special Secretary, DSLSA, Sh. Mridul Gupta, Ld. Additional Secretary, DSLSA, Sh. Abhinav Pandey, Ld. Secretary (Litigation), DSLSA, interacted with the participants and delivered the session on various topics like “Overview of Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987”, “Functions & Functioning of DSLSA” and “Delhi Victims’ Compensation Scheme-2018” with the help of power-point presentation. Interns were also informed about the 24X7 helpline number of this Authority #1516 and NALSA helpline number #15100. All the queries/doubts raised by the participants were resolved by the Ld. Resource persons.

All the interns thereafter proceeded to visit Central Office, DSLSA, Nyay Sanyog, Front Office, functional at DLSA Central-II, Mediation centre, Vulnerable Witness Deposition Complex, Rouse Avenue Courts to understand the practical working of these offices.

Sh. Abhinav Pandey, Ld. Secretary (Litigation), DSLSA was invited to join consultation for Module Development on “Drug Abuse Prevention” by National Institute of Social Defence, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

The Orientation session was held on 30.06.2025 and future implementation strategies were discussed. Sh. Abhinav Pandey informed the Chairman and other members of the Expert Committee about the provision of free legal aid and psychological counseling provided by the Delhi State Legal Services Authority to the persons affected by drug abuse. He also discussed about the initiatives taken by the Delhi State Legal Services Authority and its subsidiary District Legal Services Authorities under the National Legal Services Authority’s recent NALSA (DAWN – Drug Awareness and Wellness Navigation – for a Drug Free India) Scheme – 2025.

Delhi State Legal Services Authority organized Valedictory Session of Summer Internship Programme 2025 on 24.06.2025 at Nyay Manch Auditorium, 1st Floor, Rouse Avenue District Courts, New Delhi from 11:00 AM onwards.

The session was graced by Ms. Tanvi Khurana, Ld. Special Secretary, DSLSA, and Sh. Abhinav Pandey, Ld.. Secretary (Litigation), DSLSA. Both dignitaries interacted with the interns, reflecting on the significance of their contributions and encouraging them to remain committed to the values of legal aid. During the interactive feedback session, the interns expressed their insights and takeaways from visits to various legal and social institutions.

Certificates of Participation were presented to all eligible interns in recognition of their successful completion of the internship. In addition, based on overall performance and engagement, Certificates of Excellence were awarded to three outstanding interns.

Internship coordinators, who supervised and mentored the intern groups during the programme, were also present and contributed to the success of the event.
The session was attended by approximately 168 participants including coordinators. In total, 158 Certificates of Participation and 3 Certificates of Excellence were awarded.

Under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, the International Yoga Day was observed on 21st June 2025, at 11:00 AM in the DSLSA Conference Hall. The session witnessed the presence of the Sh. Abhinav Pandey, Ld. Secretary, (Litigation), DSLSA, along with enthusiastic participation of branch Incharges and all other staff members, who gathered to celebrate the spirit of Yoga.

Sh. Abhinav Pandey, Ld. Secretary (Litigation), DSLSA, delivered an insightful talk highlighting the importance of Yoga. He urged everyone to adopt Yoga as a daily habit and a way of life. He suggested integrating Yoga into school curricula and workplace wellness programs to promote healthy living. He also emphasized using digital platforms to spread awareness globally and encouraged international workshops by Indian Yoga experts. He linked Yoga with healthy eating, mental well-being, and eco-friendly living for a better world.

The event was organised with the objective of promoting health, harmony, and overall well-being through the practice of Yoga. The session included guided yoga exercises and breathing techniques that helped participants experience the physical and mental benefits of this ancient discipline.

Additionally, Central-II DLSA, Rouse Avenue court Complex also observed International Yoga Day in collaboration with Bhartiya Yoga Sansthan, which witnessed the presence of Sh. Kanwaljeet Arora, Ld. Principal District and Sessions Judge, Rouse Avenue Courts, Sh. Abhinav Pandey, Ld. Secretary (Litigation), DSLSA and other Ld. Judicial Officers and Court Staff. The active involvement of all attendees made the celebration a meaningful and impactful experience.

An orientation session for NALSA Interns from various colleges across India was held on 16th June 2025 at the Conference Hall of Rouse Avenue Courts, New Delhi. A total of 34 interns participated in the session.

The session commenced with an interactive discussion led by Sh. Mridul Gupta, Ld. Additional Secretary, DSLSA, and Sh. Kumar Rahul, Ld. Secretary, DLSA, New Delhi. Sh. Mridul Gupta briefed the interns about the Legal Services Authorities Act, the concept of legal awareness, and the functioning of National Lok Adalats. He highlighted the widening scope of legal services. He elaborated on counselling services, and the eligibility criteria for availing free legal aid — including marginalized sections such as SC/STs, women, children, senior citizens, industrial workers, Begar, persons with HIV, acid attack survivors, and transgender persons.

He also explained the structure of Legal Services Authorities, and gave an overview of physical and virtual access points for availing free legal aid. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of free legal services in bodies like the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) and the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
Following this, Sh. Kumar Rahul, Ld. Secretary, DLSA (New Delhi), conducted a detailed session on the Delhi Victim Compensation Scheme (DVCS). He discussed the year of its initiation, its objectives, and clearly explained the difference between Section 357 and Section 357A of the CrPC in the context of victim compensation.

The interns enthusiastically participated in the session and expressed keen interest in understanding the institutional framework of various legal service authorities and their role in ensuring access to justice for all. The session covered key technical aspects such as the statutory mandate under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, provisions under Section 12 of the Act specifying eligibility for free legal aid, and the functions of District and State Legal Services Authorities under Section 7 and Section 10, respectively. The interns also gained insights into the procedure for filing applications for compensation under Section 357A of the CrPC, and the intersection of juvenile justice law with the JJ Act, 2015. The orientation further explained the use of technology-enabled platforms such as the CPGRAMS portal and the 1516 helpline for grievance redressal and legal aid access.

As per the orientation schedule, the interns also visited the DLSA office at New Delhi, where they received firsthand exposure to practical working aspects of the legal aid system. They observed the functioning of the Front Office, the process of legal aid delivery, and procedures related to victim compensation claims. The visit provided them with practical insights into how legal services are administered at the ground level. The interns found the experience enriching and enjoyable, gaining both academic and field knowledge.

Overall, the orientation session proved to be highly informative, technically enriching, and engaging for all attendees, offering a comprehensive overview of India’s legal aid ecosystem and the vital role played by legal services authorities in ensuring access to justice for the marginalized.

HelpAge India organised a national-level event on the occasion of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Friday, 13th June 2025, at the Main Auditorium, India International Centre, New Delhi. The event took place from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and witnessed participation from civil society organisations, legal professionals, youth representatives, and media. The theme for this year’s event was “Bridging Generations, Building Futures”, focusing on strengthening intergenerational relationships and improving the quality of life for older persons.

Shri Mridul Gupta, Ld. Additional Secretary, DSLSA, was invited to the event and graciously participated in the proceedings. He addressed the gathering and highlighted the significance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger legal safeguards and meaningful youth engagement to ensure the protection, dignity, and well-being of senior citizens. As part of the event, a dedicated session was also conducted on the topic, “Role of laws in ensuring the well-being of older persons and the role of youth in creating awareness about their rights,” which further enriched the discussion and underlined the importance of intergenerational responsibility.

The discussions throughout the event aimed to foster empathy, bridge generational gaps, and develop inclusive approaches for elder care. This session was highly appreciated by all participants for its relevance, depth, and emphasis on legal awareness as a tool for social change.