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The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) commemorated Human Rights Day on December 10th, 2024, with a significant event held at the Supreme Court of India. The theme, 'Every Right, Every Life,' underscored the day's importance and the organization's commitment to upholding the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which celebrated its 76th anniversary. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures including the Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, and other esteemed judges from the Supreme Court, as well as Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Law and Justice. The presence of such high-ranking officials highlighted the gravity of the occasion and the government's support for NALSA's initiatives. The event served as a platform to acknowledge the tireless efforts of numerous organizations, institutions, and individuals working to ensure human rights are not merely abstract concepts, but tangible realities for even the most marginalized members of society.
A key highlight of the celebration was the launch of a special three-month campaign, from December 10th, 2024, to March 10th, 2025, focusing on providing legal assistance to elderly and terminally ill prisoners. This initiative, lauded by Justice Surya Kant, Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee, addresses a critical need for compassionate and humane treatment within the justice system. Justice Kant emphasized the fine line between appropriate and inappropriate detention, asserting that all incarcerated individuals, regardless of their circumstances, deserve adequate medical care and attention. This campaign aims to expedite the release of eligible prisoners, ensure humane treatment for those who cannot be released, and facilitate their reintegration into society. The campaign's genesis stems from a recent case involving a 93-year-old woman prisoner in Karnataka, whose release on parole following intervention by legal services institutions underscores the urgency and importance of this new initiative. The immediate impact of the campaign is significant, and it sets a precedent for improving the plight of elderly and terminally ill inmates across the country.
Justice B.R. Gavai, Executive Chairman of NALSA, emphasized the organization's unwavering dedication to safeguarding human rights by providing free legal aid to all citizens, irrespective of their location. He underlined NALSA's goal of empowering citizens and making justice accessible, even in the most remote areas of India. His vision for the coming months includes enhancing the reach of legal services through the NALSA Toll-Free National Helpline, ensuring prompt and effective legal aid at all stages of legal proceedings, and raising awareness of the available free services. He eloquently echoed Eleanor Roosevelt's sentiment that universal human rights must begin locally to have global significance, highlighting the importance of grassroots citizen action.
Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, in his presidential address, reinforced the concept of human rights as the foundation of a just society and global peace. He highlighted the need to combat the 'Blackcoat System,' a term referencing the fear and alienation many citizens experience when interacting with the criminal justice system. He advocated for a more compassionate and humane justice system achieved through legal simplification and decolonization of laws, echoing sentiments expressed by President Droupadi Murmu. This call for reform reflects a broader movement towards creating a more accessible and equitable legal system in India.
Beyond the launch of the prisoner campaign, NALSA released various awareness materials, including a poster on free legal services and a video outlining the rights of suspects and arrested persons. The distribution of this material, especially through NALSA's extensive network of legal services institutions, ensures that individuals understand their rights at each stage of the legal process, empowering them to seek assistance when needed. This proactive approach demonstrates NALSA's comprehensive strategy to promote human rights and enhance access to justice for all. The event concluded with a virtual participation from various State Legal Services Authorities (SLSA) and High Court Legal Services Committees, signifying a nationwide commitment to uphold human rights and provide efficient legal aid across India. The online availability of the event recording further underscores the effort to reach a wider audience and promote greater awareness.
Source: 'Every Life, Every Right': NALSA Celebrates Human Rights Day 2024