The Ladakh Legal Services Authority and District Legal Services Authority, Kargil celebrated Legal Services Day on November 9 at the Syed Mehdi Memorial Auditorium Hall in Kargil.

Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Judge of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and Executive Chairman of the Ladakh Legal Services Authority, attended the event virtually from Jammu as the Chief Guest.

Principal District and Sessions Judge Kargil, Malik Shabir Ahmed, spoke on the significance of the day, marking the 1995 enactment of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. This act was established to ensure justice, equality, and access to legal aid for all individuals, regardless of background or social status.

Advocate Haji Ghulam Murtaza discussed the vital roles of Panel Lawyers and Para Legal Volunteers in providing legal aid to those in need.
Spalzes Angmo, Member Secretary of the Ladakh Legal Services Authority, addressed the gathering in Ladakhi, explaining the functions of the National, State, District, and Tehsil Legal Services Authorities in ensuring access to justice. She highlighted the Legal Aid Defense Counsel Scheme and other significant initiatives.

Deputy Commissioner of Kargil, Balasaheb Suse, emphasized the district administration’s role in providing access to justice, including infrastructure improvements, road connectivity, clean drinking water, and quality education.

In his inaugural address, Justice Sanjeev Kumar underscored the importance of Legal Services Day in delivering justice to marginalized sections of society, promoting equal access to justice through various schemes under the Legal Services Authority Act, 1987. He also highlighted constitutional provisions that ensure equality in employment and justice.

The event included the recognition of Panel Lawyers and Para Legal Volunteers, as well as compensation awards totaling Rs. 8,50,000 under the Ladakh Victim Compensation Act.

The program was attended by BAR Association Kargil members, Panel Lawyers, LADC officials, police officers, government representatives, health and social workers, students and professors from Govt. Degree College Kargil, teachers and students from Govt. Schools, village Nambardars, and Para Legal Volunteers. The NALSA theme song was also played in the local Purig language.