Bhubaneswar, November 9: In observance of National Legal Services Day, the Taluk Legal Services Committee of the Junior Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Court in Jatni organized an awareness event at Centurion University, drawing a significant turnout.
The gathering focused on the role of legal aid services at the local level and saw participation from various distinguished panelists, including Hitashree Behera, CJ (JD)-cum-JMFC, Jatni; Bisworanjan Behera, ADJ, Kodala; Himanshu Sekhar Singh, 1st ADJ, Bolangir; and Sidharta Sahoo, Judge of the Family Court, Bargarh.
Hitashree Behera highlighted the Jatni court’s commitment to providing free legal aid to the economically disadvantaged, stating, “Our court is dedicated to ensuring that justice is accessible to all, including the poor and needy.” To fulfill this mission, local court frequently conducts awareness camps in areas ranging from urban settings to local slums.
Bisworanjan Behera provided insights into the history and significance of National Legal Services Day, while Himanshu Sekhar Singh emphasized the impact of accessible legal aid. Judge Sidharta Sahoo shared his experiences in resolving family disputes with empathy, showcasing the importance of a compassionate approach in family law.
Dr. Ajay Nayak, Pro VC of Centurion University, recounted his experiences dealing with legal matters in the public sector, illustrating the bureaucratic perspective on legal challenges.
Dr Palab Das, Dean of Law Department has highlighted on Alternative Dispute Resolution -ADR like arbitration, conciliation and mediation etc. offer better and timely solution for resolution of a dispute.
Advocate Sanjay Mohapatra has made introductory speech in the event.
The panel discussed various legal aid initiatives under the Legal Services Authority Act of 1987, including Lok Adalats, mediation, Permanent Lok Adalats, and the Nyaya Sanjog initiative.
Attendees, including advocates of Jatni Bar Association and students actively participated, demonstrating a strong commitment to legal literacy and community engagement.
The event underscored the critical role of equitable access to legal services and highlighted alternative dispute resolution methods as effective tools in achieving justice for marginalized communities.
