Anjali Thanvi – Chairperson (B.Sc., LL.M.)
Legal Aid Scheme was first introduced by Justice P.N. Bhagwati under the Legal Aid Committee formed in 1971. According to him, “The legal aid means providing an arrangement in the society so that the missionary of administration of justice becomes easily accessible and is not out of reach of those who have to resort to it for enforcement of its given to them by law, the poor and illiterate should be able to approach the courts and their ignorance and poverty should not be an impediment in the way of their obtaining justice from the courts. Legal aid should be available to the poor and illiterate, who don’t have access to courts. One need not be a litigant to seek aid by means of legal aid.?
Also, Article 39A of the Constitution of India provides that State shall secure that the operation of the legal system promotes justice on a basis of equal opportunity, and shall in particular, provide free legal aid, by suitable legislation or schemes or in any other way, to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disability. Articles 14 and 22(1) also make it obligatory for the State to ensure equality before law and a legal system which promotes justice on a basis of equal opportunity to all.
Legal Aid Clinics basically serve the purpose of providing legal advice not for the aim of earning profit but in general Public Interest. At National Law University, Jodhpur, knowledge of law is thoroughly imparted theoretically and we through our legal aid and awareness committee (LAAC) strive to impart practical knowledge so that students may know the applicability of law. Students pursuing law at our University have zeal and enthusiasm to provide legal services. Our Legal aid and awareness committee thus serve the two-fold purpose, the first that they provide free legal services to economically weaker people and second, they contribute to the society. The members of the Legal Aid committee at National Law University, Jodhpur are engaged in spreading legal awareness in rural areas through street plays as well as legal aid camps where they create awareness about different legal service programs and guide them to avail these facilities. We are germinating the seed of legal aid in young students. We have pledged to make our committee a synonym of legal and social justice.
Rohan Cherian Thomas – Faculty Member (B.Sc. LL.B, LLM in IPR)
Legal Aid and Awareness Committee of the National Law University Jodhpur takes pride in being at the forefront of providing services in the socio-legal arena. Its activities derive the impetus to perform, from the vision and guidance of Late Prof. V. S. Shastri who was the Faculty Convenor and a beacon of inspiration. The Committee focuses not just on creating awareness among the populace of their rights, but also to be a facilitator towards enablement and protection of the same. To leave an impact in these spheres, the members have had to generate and implement innovative ideas of practical significance. From the Nukkad Nataks on sensitive issues to awareness in schools to village adoption, the committee holds steadfast in its resolve to combine the theoretical study in the University to its application in the world outside.