| INTRODUCTION |
| Legal Aid is a torchbearer for poor people who cannot afford the court proceedings. It is free legal assistance given to the marginalized and disadvantaged sections of the society in judicial proceedings, administrative proceedings, quasi-judicial proceedings, or any consultation regarding all legal problems. Prior to the enactment of the Legal Services Authorities Act 1987, in different states of India legal aid schemes were floated through Legal Aid Boards, Societies and Law Departments. Subsequently, with a view to provide statutory recognition to the concept of equal opportunity of justice to all as consecrated in Article 39-A of the Constitution of India, the Legal Services Authorities Act was passed in the year 1987. Enforced in the year 1995, this Act happens to be a relatively new part of India’s legal aid movement which had already found robust expression in various judicial pronouncements of the Hon’ble Apex Court with Hon’ble Justice P.N. Bhagwati and Hon’ble Justice Krishna Iyer taking the lead. |
| Year 1998 |
CONSTITUTION OF DLSA, DIBRUGARH |
| Till the formal appearance of statutory legal service institutions, legal assistance to the indigent in the district of Dibrugarh had been provided by district administration under the Legal Aid to the Poor Schemethrough a Legal Aid Cell. Pursuant to Sec. 9 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, DLSA, Dibrugarh was constituted in the year 1998.The then Civil Judge (Sr. Division), Dibrugarh was entrusted with the dual charge of Secretary, DLSA, Dibrugarh. |
ADMINISTRATIVE SET UP
|
Year 2003 |
- One LDA-cum-typist was transferred from the office of DC, Dibrugarh to join DLSA, Dibrugarh
|
| Year 2004 |
One Peon was transferred from the office of DC, Dibrugarh to join DLSA, Dibrugarh |
| Year 2014 |
The Legislative Department, Government of Assam, vide it’s order dated 26/05/14 created the post of full time Secretary, DLSA, Dibrugarh. The first Secretary Md. Abdul Hakim assumed charge of office on 12.08.14. The present Front Office served as the office of DLSA, Dibrugarh. |
Year 2015 |
- Two additional posts of LDA and UDA were created.
|
| Year 2021 |
One Front Office Co-ordinator was engaged on purely contractual basis. The present staff strength is 4 (3 permanent and 1 contractual). |
BRIEF OUTLINE OF ACTIVITIES OVER THE YEARS
|
| Years 1998 to 2009 |
During this period, the major functions of DLSA, Dibrugarh consisted of organizing awareness camps and National LokAdalats.The first LokAdalat was held on 30.12.99.Gradually, with change of time and societal needs, the role of DLSA has transformed encompassing within its fold multifarious activities. |
| Year 2010 |
One significant development was the constitution of the District Mediation Centre which started functioning since 10-08-2010 with a team of 14 trained mediators. The present strength of mediators is 10 |
| For ensuring that legal aid reaches all sections of people at their door steps, Para-legal Volunteers (PLVs) were recruited in the year 2010.The present strength of PLVs is 6. |
| Year 2011 |
A total of 32 practicing Advocates of Dibrugarh Bar Association were empanelled as panel lawyers in the year 2011 to provide legal assistance to the needy. The present strength of panel lawyers is 42. |
| Year 2013 |
Since 06-03-13, DLSA Dibrugarh has been providing compensation for relief and rehabilitation to victims of various offences and their dependents. |
| Year 2014 |
In 2014, the first legal aid clinics were opened at Gram Panchayat offices. Presently there are 8 legal clinics in the district including the Jail legal aid clinic.
Construction of ADR Centre building commenced in February, 2014 |
|
| Year 2016 |
In June 2016, an official e-mail account was opened for facilitating legal aid seekers to e-mail their legal applications. |
| Year 2017 |
In March 2017,Remand Advocates were appointed in order to strengthen the system of affording legal aid to persons in custody. |
| In 2017,pre-litigation conciliation services were introduced to make an endeavour for harmonious resolution of disputes at the pre-litigation stage itself. |
In 2017, the first legal literacy club was opened at Govt. Girls’ H.S & M.P School. Presently there are 7 legal literacy clubs in the district. |
|
| Year 2020 |
In June 2020 one YouTube channel and a Facebook page were created for promotional activities and awareness generation through the digital platform. |
In December 2020, the Front Office was inaugurated to serve as a one-stop centre for legal aid seekers/beneficiaries. |
|
| Year 2021 |
Since August 2021, a 24X7 Helpline Number 6901281627 provided by ASLSA has been in use for offering legal advice and consultations. |
