A regional event-cum-workshop under the Tele-Law DISHA scheme highlighted the role of technology in strengthening access to justice and last-mile legal services in Jammu and Kashmir.
February 17, Srinagar: A Regional Event-cum-Workshop under the Tele-Law Initiative of the DISHA scheme was organised at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen access to justice through technology-enabled services.
The workshop aimed to foster informed discussions among key stakeholders, including Common Service Centres, law schools, judicial officers, lawyers, administrators, field functionaries, students, and representatives of civil society, with a focus on enhancing the delivery of legal services in remote and underserved areas.
The event was graced by Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, as Chief Guest. Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and Arun Palli, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, were also present on the occasion.
The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and a cultural presentation of “Vande Mataram” by local artists, marking the 150th anniversary of India’s National Song. In the welcome address, the Secretary (Justice) highlighted the constitutional mandate under Articles 39A, 14, and 21, and emphasised the role of DISHA in ensuring accessible, affordable, and timely justice for citizens.
An informational video on the Tele-Law service was screened to create awareness about its functioning and its integration with initiatives such as Nyaya Bandhu and the role of Nyaya Sahayaks in providing pre-litigation legal advice and connecting beneficiaries with qualified legal professionals.
During the event, panel lawyers, Nyaya Sahayaks, and Village Level Entrepreneurs associated with Tele-Law were felicitated for their outstanding contributions towards strengthening grassroots access to justice and promoting legal awareness.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister underscored the principle that justice is a constitutional right of every citizen and stressed the importance of reducing pendency and unnecessary litigation through timely resolution and pre-litigation mechanisms. He noted that Tele-Law has reached lakhs of beneficiaries across thousands of Panchayats and plays a significant role in easing the burden on courts.
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal highlighted the transformative role of digital platforms in justice delivery and said initiatives like Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu, and legal literacy programmes reflect the vision of social and economic justice enshrined in the Constitution. He reiterated the need to ensure that justice reaches every citizen, irrespective of geography, and encouraged wider participation of pro bono lawyers and local stakeholders.
The workshop provided a platform for interaction, experience sharing, and policy dialogue among stakeholders, strengthening coordination for effective and inclusive justice delivery. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by the Joint Secretary, who acknowledged the contributions of all dignitaries, departments, and partner institutions in making the regional workshop a success.