Reported by Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 1: Marking a crucial development in providing legal aid services within the jails of Jammu & Kashmir, a Legal Aid Clinic & Support Centre was inaugurated today by Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan, the Patron-in-Chief of the J&K Legal Services Authority. This event took place at the Government Medical College & Hospital (GMCH), Jammu, in the presence of Justice Atul Sreedharan, Executive Chairman of J&K Legal Services Authority.
The Chief Justice and Justice Sreedharan, accompanied by Principal Secretary M.K. Sharma, received a warm welcome upon their arrival from various dignitaries, including Y.P. Bourney, PDJ (Chairman, DLSA Jammu), Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal & Dean of GMC Jammu, Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary of J&K LSA, Anoop Sharma, Registrar IT, Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP of Jammu, Dr. Narinder Bhutyal, Medical Superintendent, along with HoD’s, senior faculty members, and police officers. Click here to watch video
The program continued with a formal gathering at the Faculty Lounge of GMC Jammu, where Dr. Ashutosh Gupta emphasized the significance of legal awareness in healthcare during his welcome address. This was followed by an insightful presentation from Dr. Sanjeev Gupta, HoD of Orthopedics at GMC Jammu, who discussed critical areas in healthcare requiring legal attention.
In his special address, Justice Atul Sreedharan highlighted the vital importance of legal aid within healthcare institutions, ensuring marginalized patients and their families receive necessary legal support. Justice Sreedharan reiterated the Legal Services Authority’s commitment to broadening legal outreach to all community segments, particularly vulnerable populations.
Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan praised the initiative, emphasizing the need for enhanced collaboration between the legal and medical fields to protect the rights of marginalized individuals. He noted that such initiatives play a crucial role in linking jail inmates with essential medical services through telemedicine and e-consultations and commended the efforts of J&K Legal Services Authority in improving access to justice through innovative approaches.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Smriti Sharma, Secretary of DLSA Jammu.
