LEGAL AID CLINIC

Soroptimist International of South Kolkata celebrated Human RIghts’ Day on 10th December 2019 with a panel discussion on their rights (social and environmental) that included Retired Justice Ruma Pal and Secretary for West Bengal State Legal Aid Service Durga Khaitan.  This started the germ of a project and a much needed one for a free Legal Aid Clinic for women and children, for redressal of their  through various Acts that have been made for them.

 

Soroptimist International of South Kolkata (SISK) has partnered with IPER (Institute of Psychological Education and Research) for a permanent Legal Aid Clinic, with free services of empanelled lawyers from the District Legal Aid Services (DLSA) and State Legal Aid Services (SLSA),  South 24 Parganas.  This is the first-of-its-kind Legal Aid Service Clinic outside their own Court premises, for all women and children.

 

This  Legal Aid Service Clinic was inaugurated on 5th March 2020 by Mr. Salim Ahmed Ansari, Secretary, DLSA – South 24 Parganas.  He and his colleagues Mr. Snehashish Sutradhar and Mr. Mit Guha Roy also spoke to the rapt audience the likely issues that trouble women and how the Dispute Redressal Board could either arbitrate or give free legal aid to the complainants.  

 

The first legal aid service was offered on 11th March 2020 by the Clinic.  5 women with various problems ranging from marital, property and inheritance and professional matters, sought advice and guidance from the lawyers.  Some were directed for legal compliance paperwork to DLSA’s office at the Judges’ Court South 24 Parganas, Alipore, while others were required to bring more detailed information for the 2nd clinic.

 

 

SISK and IPER are in the process of informing all police stations and the Deputy Commissioner of Police in South Kolkata about the clinic.