UDHAMPUR, Jul 29: As part of the ongoing efforts to ensure access to justice for inmates and strengthen the legal aid delivery system within prisons, the Monthly Inspection of the Prison Legal Aid Clinic and a jail visit were conducted at District Jail, Udhampur by Sumati Sharma, Sub-Judge/Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Udhampur.
During the inspection, the functioning of the Prison Legal Aid Clinic was reviewed in detail to assess the availability and effectiveness of legal aid services provided to inmates. The inspection focused on ensuring that eligible prisoners receive free legal assistance, legal awareness, and timely legal representation in accordance with the provisions of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
The Secretary also interacted with women inmates to ascertain their grievances, if any, regarding legal aid, pending court cases, legal representation, and other issues concerning their rights and welfare. The inmates were informed about their legal rights and the availability of free legal services through the District Legal Services Authority.
The jail premises, including the barracks, kitchen, sanitation facilities, medical facilities, and other essential amenities, were also inspected to assess the overall living conditions of the inmates. Necessary directions were issued to the concerned authorities to address the issues observed during the inspection and ensure the welfare and dignity of the prisoners.
The District Legal Services Authority, Udhampur, remains committed to safeguarding the constitutional and legal rights of inmates and ensuring the effective implementation of legal aid services within correctional institutions.