SRINAGAR: District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar, under the guidance of Tasleem Arief, Principal District and Sessions Judge/Chairman DLSA Srinagar, conducted an inspection of Central Jail Srinagar and the Prison Legal Aid Clinic on Friday. The primary objective of the visit was to assess the living conditions of the inmates and review the overall functioning of the jail and legal aid mechanisms in place.

The inspection was carried out by Tasleem Arief, Principal District and Sessions Judge, accompanied by Sajad Ur Rehman, Secretary DLSA Srinagar, officials and Legal Aid Defence Counsels of DLSA Srinagar. During the inspection, the team visited various key sections of the jail including the Legal Aid Clinic, Welfare Block, Vocational Training Centre, Computer Training Centre, Music and Fine Arts Centre, Calligraphy Centre, Jail Hospital, Kitchen Area, Women’s Block, and the dedicated Women-Centric Tailoring Centre.

The team paid special attention to the Medical Centre, with a particular focus on the de-addiction facilities available to the inmates. The inspection was also joined by Sheikh Zulfikar Azad, Senior Superintendent, Central Jail Srinagar; Deputy Superintendent; medical officers; and prison staff. Together, they visited all the barracks and interacted directly with the inmates, including women prisoners, to obtain first-hand insights into their concerns and the quality of services provided.

Tasleem Arief and the team attentively listened to the grievances and feedback shared by the inmates, reaffirming the commitment of DLSA Srinagar to safeguard the rights and dignity of prisoners. The interaction provided a crucial platform for inmates to voice their needs and ensured transparency and responsiveness in the justice delivery system within custodial institutions.

In addition, Chairman DLSA Srinagar also interacted with Para Legal Volunteers posted at the Prison Legal Aid Clinic. He reviewed their functioning and emphasized the importance of their role in ensuring continuous access to justice for inmates. He encouraged the PLVs to remain proactive, compassionate and vigilant in addressing the legal needs of the prison population.

In addition to the jail inspection, Principal District and Sessions Judge Srinagar, along with Secretary DLSA Srinagar, also conducted inspection of Legal Aid Clinic at University of Kashmir.

The purpose of these visits was to evaluate the effectiveness and outreach of the legal aid services being provided at these institutions, and to strengthen coordination among stakeholders for timely and accessible legal assistance. The officials interacted with legal aid providers and stakeholders at each location to ensure that the clinics are functioning efficiently and meeting the legal needs of the beneficiaries.

This series of inspections reflects the sustained efforts of DLSA Srinagar towards promoting legal empowerment, humane treatment, and institutional accountability within custodial and public welfare institutions.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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