Leh :- The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Leh, under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority, continues its mission to make justice accessible to all. In a recent initiative, the DLSA Leh conducted an awareness program at District Jail Leh, focusing on the new criminal laws and legal provisions available to prisoners.
Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, Advocate Nema Stanzin, and Penal Advocate Mohd Ibrahim from District Court Leh spearheaded the program. They were warmly welcomed by Superintendent Jail Leh, Dy.S.P Tundup Dorjay, and Dy. Superintendent Jail, Inspector Fazil Abbass. The camp saw full attendance from the prisoners, jail staff, and security personnel.
A key highlight of the program was the introduction and explanation of “Plea Bargaining” as outlined in the new criminal laws, which took effect nationwide on July 1, 2024. The legal experts elucidated the framework, enabling prisoners to understand how they can benefit from these provisions before their trials commence. The focus was particularly on cases with imprisonment terms of up to seven years.
Superintendent Jail Leh emphasized the importance of legal aid as a fundamental facility provided by prison administrations nationwide. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that prisoners are aware of their legal rights and the support available to them under the law. The program was conducted under the guidance of SSP Sh Stanzin Norboo, JKPS (Supervisory Officer, District Jail Leh), and the leadership of Additional Director General of Police, Head of Prisons, UT Ladakh, Sh. S.D Singh Jamwal, IPS.
In addition to legal aid, various correctional programs aimed at reformation and rehabilitation are being actively carried out, ensuring comprehensive support for inmates.