In a significant step towards integrating legal aid services within the healthcare system and ensuring access to justice for all, a Legal Aid Clinic & Support Centre was inaugurated today at Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar by Justice Tashi Rabstan, Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh & Patron-in-Chief, J&K Legal Services Authority, in the presence of Justice Atul Sreedharan, Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority.
A Grand Welcome
On their arrival, the Chief Justice and Justice Atul Sreedharan, accompanied by M. K. Sharma, Principal Secretary to Chief Justice, were warmly received by:
- Shazia Tabassum, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority
- Tasleem Arief, Principal District & Sessions Judge (Chairman, DLSA Srinagar)
- Prof. (Dr.) Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal & Dean, GMC Srinagar
- Jahangir Ahmad Bakhshi, Joint Registrar (Judicial/Protocol) Srinagar
- Sajad-ur-Rehman, Secretary DLSA Srinagar
- Mohd Ashrif Hakak, Administrator, GMC Srinagar
- Senior faculty members, police officers, and medical professionals
Live Interaction with Jail Inmates
Following the inaugural ceremony, a video conferencing session was conducted between the Superintendent of Central Jail Srinagar, the Medical Officer of the jail, and inmates from the Prison Legal Aid Clinic & Support Centre. The Chief Justice and Justice Atul Sreedharan interacted with jail authorities and inmates to assess their legal and medical concerns, aiming to bridge the gap between incarcerated individuals and specialized healthcare professionals for timely and effective medical interventions.
Expert Medical Consultation for Prisoners
During the visit, renowned medical professionals including:
- Dr. Bashir Ahmad Sanaee (HoD Neurology)
- Dr. Naveed Nazir (HoD Pulmonology)
- Dr. Showket Ahmad Zargar (HoD Gastroenterology)
These experts provided guidance on the health-related challenges faced by incarcerated individuals and their access to necessary treatment. This interaction ensured that inmates received specialized medical consultations and necessary health interventions.
Strengthening Legal & Medical Coordination
Justice Atul Sreedharan emphasized that the integration of legal aid services with healthcare institutions would facilitate seamless medical assistance for jail inmates, safeguarding their fundamental rights to health and justice. He reiterated that the initiative would ensure timely legal aid, particularly for underprivileged individuals in custody.
Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan underscored that the establishment of such a Legal Aid Clinic at GMC Srinagar represents a landmark initiative in ensuring access to justice and healthcare for all, especially those unable to seek legal recourse due to incarceration.
Commitment to Justice & Healthcare
The Chief Justice further stressed the importance of strengthening coordination between jail authorities, medical institutions, and legal aid functionaries to provide holistic legal and medical support to inmates. This initiative stands as a pioneering effort in ensuring that legal assistance is available to every individual, regardless of their circumstances.
