BUDGAM, JUNE 09: As per plan of action for the month of June 2026 issued by J&K Legal Services Authority, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Budgam, conducted a visit to the Central Jail Srinagar to review the functioning of legal aid services and interacted with inmates.
The programme, as per an official statement, was conducted under the guidance of O.P. Baghat, Chairman DLSA (Principal District & Sessions Judge) Budgam.
The visit was conducted in the presence of the Superintendent, Central Jail Srinagar, who accompanied the Secretary DLSA Budgam during the inspection of the Legal Aid Clinic, Mulaqati Area, and the awareness programme.
Amongst many good practices adopted by the jail administration, the Superintendent Central Jail Srinagar informed the Secretary, DLSA, Budgam, about the recent establishment of a separate cabin for breastfeeding mothers near the reception area of the jail. The Secretary appreciated this thoughtful and dignified initiative aimed at ensuring privacy, comfort, and convenience for breastfeeding mothers visiting the prison. The Secretary expressed satisfaction over this welfare-oriented measure and lauded the efforts of the jail authorities in creating a more inclusive and humane environment for visitors.
During the visit, the Secretary inspected the Legal Aid Clinic functioning within the jail premises and assessed the legal assistance being provided to the inmates. The Secretary also visited the recently established Mulaqati Area and reviewed the facilities made available for prisoners and their visitors.
As part of the visit, a legal awareness programme was organized on the topics “Plea Bargaining” and “Rights of Prisoners.” The programme aimed at sensitizing inmates about the legal remedies available to them and the rights guaranteed under law during incarceration.
Fozia Shafi, Assistant LADC Budgam and Minhaj, Assistant LADC Srinagar served as the resource persons for the programme who elaborated on the concept of plea bargaining, its legal framework, benefits, and procedure, while also educating the inmates about their fundamental and statutory rights as prisoners.
The Secretary interacted extensively with the inmates and apprised them of the current status of their respective cases. The inmates were encouraged to avail legal aid services whenever required and were assured of continued legal assistance through the Legal Services Institution.
The programme concluded with an interactive session wherein inmates raised various legal queries, which were addressed by the resource persons and officials present.
The initiative reflects the continued commitment of DLSA Budgam towards safeguarding the legal rights of prisoners and promoting legal awareness amongst the inmates.
