Srinagar DLSA Chairman Reviews Legal Aid Defense Counsel System to Ensure Equal Access to Justice

SRINAGAR, March 4, 2026 — In a high-level review meeting held today at the District Court Complex, Haq Nawaz Zargar, Chairman of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and Principal District & Sessions Judge of Srinagar, evaluated the performance and efficiency of the Legal Aid Defense Counsels (LADCs).

Accompanied by Tabassum Qadir Parray, Secretary of DLSA Srinagar, the Chairman scrutinized the delivery of free legal services to undertrial prisoners and marginalized beneficiaries, reinforcing the mandate of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and the constitutional directive of Article 39A.

During the proceedings, Chairman Zargar issued strict instructions for LADCs to prioritize timely legal interventions for elderly persons and undertrials, particularly focusing on the prompt recording of evidence and the filing of arguments in cases nearing completion.

Emphasizing that conviction is a part of the judicial process rather than a failure of legal aid, he urged counsels to maintain professional dedication and ensure no indigent person is deprived of effective representation.

Furthermore, the Chairman directed a month-to-month review of case progress at both Sessions and Magisterial levels and called for immediate follow-up on bail matters to ensure that granted releases are executed without delay, thereby strengthening the robust mechanism designed to protect the rights of the most vulnerable sections of society.