JAMMU: Justice Tashi Rabstan, Acting Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, and Patron-in-Chief/Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority on Saturday inaugurated a two day training programme for Legal Aid Defence Counsels (LADCs), organised by J&K Legal Services Authority in collaboration with J&K Judicial Academy at J&K Judicial Academy, Jammu.
Delivering inaugural address, Justice Tashi said, “This programme has been titled as Training Programme but I think the delegates attending the programme don’t require any training as such, because they have already been working as lawyers and defending accused in criminal cases. Through this two day programme we would just like to guide and sensitize all the delegates and give a broad overview of their duties and responsibilities.”
He said that the most important aspect which LADCs have to consider while defending the needy persons is not only the enforcement of their legal rights but also deal with them with a human touch. They should feel comfortable and confident in reposing full faith on LADCs only then we will be able to achieve the purpose for which the scheme has been designed, he said.
Shahzad Azeem, Registrar General, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, in his welcome address, stated that the pristine academic environment of Jammu & Kashmir Judicial Academy shall serve as the perfect backdrop for this capacity building initiative that has provided an opportunity to train and generate an effective workforce of Legal Aid Defence Counsels.
“LADCs are infused with sterling qualities of intelligence, commitment, character and of course an unwavering verve and devotion for providing quality legal services which shall holistically strengthen the legal aid regime which is committed towards ensuring the best interest of the marginalized,” he added.
M K Sharma, Principal Secretary to Chief Justice and Incharge Director, J&K Judicial Academy, gave an overview of the Legal Aid Defence Counsel Scheme. He highlighted some of the perceived advantages of the LADC vis-à-vis Assigned Counsel System.
Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority presented vote of thanks and also conducted the proceedings of the day long programme. The inaugural session was followed by four technical sessions.

KR Desk