District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) of Vijayanagara district kicked off Saturday, aiming to boost legal aid for economically disadvantaged and marginalized. Justice Pradeep Singh Yerur of Karnataka High Court inaugurated it at the Principal District and Sessions Court in Hosapete.
Justice Yerur said the DLSA marks key step in making justice accessible . Earlier,legal services were managed from Ballari, making it tough for locals to get help . Now,access should be easier for those who need it most.
Yerur stressed that the judicial system works best with cooperation from judges,lawyers,police, civil administration, and litigants. He pointed to democracy's four pillars—legislature,executive, judiciary, media—highlighting their role in upholding law.
Vijayanagara's demographics include many Scheduled Castes, Tribes,and economically disadvantaged . Lengthy legal battles can be costly. To help,DLSA has over 64 advocates and para-legal volunteers offering free aid and advice.
Yerur said DLSA will go beyond office walls,bringing legal services to communities . It plans to push pre-litigation counseling and mediation to resolve disputes before they reach court.
Justice Yerur also called for more awareness on POCSO Act. He urged educational programs in schools, colleges, and villages to prevent child sexual offenses .
He pushed for community involvement in planting five crore saplings statewide,with target of five lakh in Vijayanagara, part of broader environmental efforts.
Invoking Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's vision,Yerur emphasized education, organization, struggle,and equal justice as DLSA's mission . He is confident authority will ensure deserving citizens get needed legal help .
Deputy Commissioner Kavitha S. Mannikeri urged public,especially disadvantaged, to use DLSA services. She said the authority will greatly improve free legal aid access.
Inauguration saw dignitaries like Principal District and Sessions Judge K.M. Rajashekhar,Senior Civil Judge and DLSA member-secretary N. Subramanya, Karnataka State Legal Services Authority member-secretary H. Shashidhar Shetty, District Bar Association President Gujjala Nagaraj,Superintendent of Police S . Jahnavi,and other judicial officers and bar members .
