SRINAGAR: The District Legal Services Authorities (DLSA) of Srinagar and Budgam convened a significant meeting to address the pressing issues faced by old and terminally ill prisoners. The meeting, chaired by Nusrat Ali Hakak, Secretary, DLSA Srinagar/Budgam, was conducted in the presence of the Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel, DLSA Srinagar. Other members of both districts actively participated in the session through virtual platforms.
The primary focus of the meeting was to identify prisoners in need of immediate legal and humanitarian assistance due to their advanced age or critical health conditions. After a thorough review and discussion, five such prisoners were identified. These cases were deliberated upon in detail, with participants exploring avenues to ensure their legal rights are upheld and necessary interventions are made to provide them with adequate care.
During the discussions, emphasis was laid on the need for expediting legal remedies for such prisoners, ensuring access to medical care, and advocating for their compassionate release wherever applicable under the law. The Secretary, DLSA Srinagar/Budgam, stressed the importance of coordination between various stakeholders, including legal aid counsels, prison authorities, and healthcare providers, to address these issues holistically.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue such collaborative efforts to uphold the principles of justice and humanity. Both DLSAs reaffirmed their dedication to supporting vulnerable sections of society, particularly those who are often overlooked. Steps were outlined to follow up on the identified cases and monitor their progress to ensure effective outcomes.
