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Importance of Legal Aid Activities for Law Students

Institute of Law, Nirma University organized a distinguished lecture on the theme “Importance of Legal Aid Activities for Law Students” on 16th October, 2021. Hon’ble Ms. Justice Gita Gopi, Judge, High Court of Gujarat was the distinguished speaker at the event.

Hon’ble Ms. Justice Gita Gopi in her address stated that a law student is a privileged class in the society and rendering of legal aid by the law students is a duty bestowed upon them. She referred to Article 51A of the constitution dealing with Fundamental Duties.  She discussed various aspects of equality with reference to Article 14 of the constitution. She advised the students to be well conversant with the provisions of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. She talked about the discriminatory practices prevailing in the society and role of law in securing a just society.

She stressed that the law students taking up legal aid activities can go a long way in transforming the docket explosion to docket exclusion. She explained that provisions of Sec 89 of the Code of Civil Procedure relating to Alternate dispute redressal mechanism can really take good effect by students sensitizing people of the legal mechanisms available.

The law students must engage themselves into creating legal awareness by engaging with marginalized sections of the society. She reiterated that sheer knowledge and perseverance are the keys to accomplish success and law students must imbibe these qualities and make a difference to society. She advised the students to develop a good understanding and knowledge of law as law is the only medium to secure justice to all sections of the society.

Earlier, Dr Madhuri Parikh, I/C Director and Dean Institute of Law, gave an insight into the Legal Aid Clinic at the institute. She stated that the clinic aims to provide free legal aid to poor, needy persons and the members of the weaker sections of society. The clinic organizes weekly visits to the Sabarmati Jail where the students from the legal Aid committee listen to the grievances of the jail inmates and offer legal assistance. The clinic also organizes various awareness camps.

Mr D L Patel, Retired Principal District Judge and Clinical Professor at the institute, Prof Devang Chhatrapati and Prof Alaukik Srivastava were the coordinators at the event. Prof Alaukik Shrivastava, delivered the vote of thanks. Ms Nandini Goyal, Student Chairperson- NILSAA was the anchor at the event.