ACTIVITIES OF LEGAL SERVICES INSTITUIONSIN KERALA NEWS LETTER JULY-SEPT 2018 The period between July and September was marked with variety of activities across the state by the legal services institutions. Apart from the routine legal awareness programmes, Lok Adalat etc, the aim was to reach out to more people, who deserve support from the legal services institutions. This was a period during which the state had to face the fury of nature as an unprecedented flood and land slide shattered the entire state leaving several lakhs of persons in relief camps, several thousand landless. It was an occasion for the people of the state to unify never before and involve themselves in the rescue, relief and rehabilitation activities. The legal services institutions also were involved in the flood related activities right from the stages of rescue. The support continues through help desks established wherever required. A summary of important activities from July- September 2018 is mentioned hereunder. KELSA [Pick the date]

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DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH KERALA DELUGE - 2018

‘NEETHIDHARA’- an outreach and respond programme for disaster victims

Late July and August of 2018, State of Kerala witnessed unprecedented heavy monsoon

rains, 35% more than average. Heavens opened with consistent strength non-stop for

many weeks. As a result, hilly areas of the state witnessed landslides while planes and

coastal areas experienced flood from rainwater. Kerala has 42 dams for irrigation and

hydro-electric power generation. They filled up rapidly due to heavy rains in the catchment

area. Since the water level reached dangerously near the maximum capacity, 35 dams had

to open their overflow gates. Excessive fall of heavy rains combined with huge amount of

water released from dams caused rivers of Kerala finding themselves overflowing with fury.

Severe flood and landslides followed. All 14 districts of Kerala were affected in one way or

the. Hundreds lost their lives, thousands were trapped when their residences were

surrounded by water, and hundreds of thousands of people were displaced.

The legal services institutions are constituted by virtue of various provisions contained in

the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 [The Act]. Under S. 12 of the Act, among other

categories of marginalised sections of the society, the disaster victims are eligible for free

legal service irrespective of their income. In order to streamline the activities of legal

services institutions, NALSA has formulated NALSA [LEGAL SERVICES TO DISASTER VICTIMS

THROUGH LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITIES] SCHEME, 2010.

The entire state, except a few districts, was badly affected by the unprecedented flood and

landslides resulting in loss of life and severe damage to the properties. More than 10 Lakhs

persons were in relief camps and several thousands with relatives and friends.

The legal services institutions, guided by the Hon’ble Mr. Justice Hrishikesh Roy, the Chief

Justice, High Court of Kerala and the Patron-in-Chief, KeLSA and the Hon’ble Mr. Justice K.

Surendra Mohan, Executive Chairman, KeLSA, sprang into action quickly by forming ‘Core

Group’ to coordinate the activities.

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The legal services institutions were also part of the rescue and relief operations to support

the District administration under the guidance of Kerala State Legal Services Authority led

by the Hon’ble Executive Chairman, Mr. Justice K. Surendra Mohan.

The activities were coordinated well by the District Legal Services Authorities [DLSAs] and

Taluk Legal Services Committees [TLSCs].The DLSAs and TLSCs were supported by the

Judicial Officers, Panel Lawyers, Para Legal Volunteers [PLVs] and staff of the court to

provide immediate support to disaster victims.

They worked tirelessly 24x7.The messages from the Hon’ble Mr. Justice Hrishikesh Roy, the

Chief Justice, High Court of Kerala and the Patron-in-Chief, KeLSA and the Hon’ble Mr.

Justice K. Surendra Mohan, Executive Chairman, KeLSA motivated the committed work

force of KeLSA and its coordinate institutions.

Along with the support for locating victims, the DLSAs and TLSCs were actively involved in

the relief operations.

Support for rescue operations

There were continuous calls for rescue of persons stranded in flood affected areas.

Whatever information received directly at the offices, over phone, from social media etc

was passed on to the rescue teams through all possible means. DLSAs ensured support from

fishermen to the rescue teams. Para Legal Volunteers were included in the rescue teams.

Support for relief operations

DLSAS and TLSCs deployed its officers and PLVs to visit the affected areas and various relief

camps. The Chairpersons and Secretaries of the DLSAs and TLSCs visited the affected places

and relief camps and ascertained the requirements. In several places, the representatives of

legal services institutions were the first to reach the affected places for providing support.

Para legal volunteers of DLSA conducted survey in the camps regarding the basic facilities

and health care to identify their problems and solved the same.

The Legal Services Institutions could successfully coordinate the relief works by supporting

to coordinate different departments of the Government and also various NGOs engaged in

the task. The attempt was to ensure that basic amenities are available in the relief camps

and affected areas.

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When some DLSAs realised that there was shortage of food supply in the camps, they did

not hesitate to start a kitchen in the premises of ADR Centre with active support from

Judicial Officers, Panel Lawyers, PLVs, staff etc and ensured that adequate food was

supplied to the needy.

The DLSAs and TLSCs had their own centre for collection and distribution of relief materials.

There was tremendous support from well wishers as relief materials kept pouring to the

collection centres from different parts of the state and outside Kerala. The support received

from the Hon’ble Mr. Justice Kurian Joseph, Judge, Supreme Court of India in coordinating

collection of relief materials at Delhi requires a special mention.

The Judicial officers, lawyers staff etc contributed money to create a distress relief fund in

many places. The money donated by them was utilised to buy relief materials and even to

provide financial aid to the needy.

The distribution of relief materials was undertaken under the control of the Chairman and

Secretary of legal services institutions. Utmost care was taken to ensure that the materials

reach the disaster victims. PLVs were deputed to relief camps and affected areas to

ascertain the requirements. Materials were supplied based on their report.

We distributed food items, water, clothes and other cleaning items through the collection

centres regularly. Relief kits were supplied to the victims while returning home. The relief

kits were packed by judges, lawyers, PLVs etc.

Once the victims started returning home, relief kits, cleaning materials, clothes, mat, bed

sheets etc were supplied on priority basis.

The activities were supported by Non-Governmental Institutions

At some places where power supply was interrupted, TLSCs could arrange Generators on

war footing.

Medical support was provided in and around the relief camps and affected places, especially

tribal areas, by coordinating with the department of health.

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Awareness programmes were organized in the relief centres for stress management by

consoling them regarding their loss of documents, dwelling etc. Mediators of Ernakulum

Mediation Centre visited various relief camps along with Psychologists and Psychiatrists and

provided group counseling to victims. They helped the victims to learn breathing exercises

to remain calm and relaxed

Over and above, the relief camps in Ernakulam city were visited by the Hon’ble Executive

Chairman, KeLSA, and the Hon’ble Judges of High Court.

The Judicial Officers made themselves available to relief activities after conducting formal

sitting on working days.

Support for Rehabilitation- Help desk, Lok Adalat, Legal Services Camps etc]

23. The next stage was rehabilitation of the affected persons.

Reconstruction/repair/maintenance of the damaged building, road, bridge etc;

disbursement of compensation offered by the Government and retrieving the lost

documents are the remaining task. The Legal Services Institutions played a pivotal role here.

24. There was confusion among the disaster victims on how to claim compensation for the loss

suffered. Timely support was provided by KeLSA by establishing “Neethidhara” help desk in

all the affected places. These help desks were managed by panel lawyers and Para Legal

Volunteers.

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‘Neethidhara ‘helpdesk – A post emergency response strategy

25. The DLSAs and TLSCs started Help Desks wherever required. The response from the

disaster victims is overwhelming. They have taken it as the first opportunity to raise their

claim for the loss/damage sustained by them. DlSAs could provide support by helping the

victims to restore valuable documents like title deeds, ration card, driving license, Aadhar,

etc by conducting legal services camps and Lok Adalat, apply to the department concerned

for compensation for loss of property, house, cattle, home appliances etc.

26. The petitions received were handed over to the departments concerned for processing

them. The progress is being monitored. Lok Adalat and legal services camps are organised

across the stage for settlement of claims submitted by the disaster victims. Legal aid,

including the service of lawyers will be provided.

27. The Hon’ble the Chief Justice, High Court of Kerala along with the Hon’ble Executive

Chairman, KeLSA visited the help desks at North Parur. North Parur is one of the worst

affected places.

28. DLSA, Pathanamthitta re-constructed a fully damaged house at a cost of Rs. 2, 50,000/- with

the help of Pankaja Kashturi and Sathya Sai Seva Samithi. This DLSA has taken up similar

projects in association with the said NGO. These projects are in progress.

29. The DLSAs are taking follow up actions to ensure that adequate support is provided to the

disaster victims. Periodical reports are called for by KeLSA to monitor the activities.

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30. The Government has disbursed Rupees 10000 each to the victims as an immediate

assistance. There are complaints that some disaster victims did not receive the

compensation amount. These complaints were taken up with the authorities.

31. There are several Writ Petitions pending before the Hon’ble High Court of Kerala seeking

directions for effective process of rehabilitation. The learned Amicus Curiae has submitted a

report suggesting a Distress Redressal Mechanism within the frame work of Legal Services

Authorities Act, 1987 with the involvement of KeLSA and the district level officers and also

the Permanent Lok Adalat. KeLSA has responded positively with a few suggestions. The case

is now posted for the response from the Government.

32. This report contains only a brief account of the activities undertaken by the legal services

institutions till date. It is worth mentioning here that the heavy attendance of victims

in most of the flood affected places, when the “Neethidhara” help desks were opened is

nothing but an indication about the faith the people have on legal services institutions.

GLIMPSES OF ACTIVITIES OF DLSAS THROUGH LENS

PATHANAMTHITTA

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ERNAKULAM

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10

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Visit of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Hrishikesh Roy, Chief Justice, High Court of Kerala & Patron in

Chief, KeLSA and Hon’ble Mr. Justice K. Surendra Mohan, Executive Chairman, KeLSA to

oversee the activities in the Neethidhara Help Desk

IDUKKI [THODUPUZHA]

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ALAPPUZHA

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PALAKKAD

KANNUR

KOZHIKODE

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TRIBAL RIGHTS

SPECIAL PROGRAMME FOR 38 NOMADIC TRIBAL FAMILIES IN SABARIMALA FOREST

The District Legal Services Authority, Pathanamthitta along with Sri. Sathya Sai Seva

Samithy took over 38 nomadic tribal families at Nilackal residing in Sabarimala Forest. A

meeting of the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Travancore Devaswom Board

President, members, Panchayats and officers of Tribal Department was held on 14.08.2018

at Nilackal. As per the request of the District Legal Services Authority, Pathanamthitta the

Devaswom Board agreed to give 5 cents of land each to 38 families at Nilackal and to give

placement in Devaswom Board for one person in each family immediately. The Tribal

Department turned up to construct houses for each family at Nilackal. This is a great

achievement of District Legal Services Authority, Pathanamthitta regarding the

implementation of NALSA Tribal Scheme.

GOTHRAJYOTHI PROJECT

DLSA, Kozhikode, as part of Gothrajyothi project , for the purpose of familiarizing

Govt. functionaries to the Tribal students , the students from tribal colonies in Kodencheri,

Puthupadi Panchayaths visited, Kozhikode Civil Station , CJM Court, Town Police Station,

Tribal office , Planetarium. They started their study tour after receiving P.S.C coaching books

from Sri.Babu Parassery, District Panchayath President & returned after attending the class

of Sri.Umesh, Sub Inspector of Police Town Police Station at Beach

WORLD TRIBAL DAY

DLSA, Manjeri observed “Word Tribal Day” in association with Kerala Mahila

Samakhya Society. An awareness class was organized for the tribal people. Excise

department, Police department, ITDP, Health Department and Social justice department

were associated with the programme.

LEGAL SERVICES CAMP AT PARAPPA BLOCK, KASARAGOD

There are 1250 Tribal Colonies in Kasaragod District. In compliance of the NALSA

Scheme (Protection and Enforcement of Tribal Rights) Scheme 2015, a Legal Service Camp

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at Parappa Block, in which hundreds of complaints were received, against various Govt.

Departments. With the help of Tribal Development Officer, Promoters of the respective

colonies, Officials from various departments 6 follow up camps were conducted at

Kinanoor-Karinthallam, Kodom Belur, Balal, Panathady, West Eleri and East Eleri Panchath

area in which 354 persons of the 639 tribal people participated were benefited.

MASS ADALAT ON WASTE MANAGEMENT

A Mass Lok Adalat was organised by the District Legal Services Authority, Idukki at

Karimkunnam Grama Panchayat on Waste Management. A committee comprising of the

officials of Panchayath and Social Workers was constituted. A door to door survey was

conducted by the Para Legal Volunteers, Ward Members, Law Students, etc. and collected

public issues. These public issues were considered in the Mass Adalat held on 2.8.2018 and

t they were resolved.

A WEEK LONG CAMPAIGN ON KERALA VICTIM COMPENSATION SCHEME FROM 23.07.2018 TO 28.07.2018

Sl. No.

Contents Data

1 Total number of awareness camps conducted

682

2 Details of awareness camps conducted

DLSA, Thiruvananthapuram Massive awareness campaign was conducted for Police Officials of Investigating level in the

Thiruvananthapuram dist. Govt.Pleaders,Public Prosecutors CDS,ADS Chairpersons PLVs Snehita Gender Desk Community Counselors and Counselors

of Nirbhaya Shelter Homes

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ICDS Supervisors and CDPOs and Anganwadies Teachers and Workers

Members of ward level Vigilant Groups, among the public through Police Stations, Shelter homes etc.

DLSA, Kollam Campaign was conducted in DLSA, Kollam, TLSC,

Kottarakkara, TLSC, Karunagappally, TLSC, Pathanapuram and TLSC, Kunnathoor for:

Block Panchayath Members Grama Panchayath Members Advocates Station House Officers Excise Officers Anganwadi Workers Advocate Clerks Public,ADS,CDS& Kudumbasree Members

DLSA, Pathanamthitta The one week long campaign was started on 23.07.2018 at

Mylapra Grama Panchayat. Classes were conducted in 53 Grama Panchayaths,8 Block

Panchayaths and District Bar Association, Pathanamthitta. DLSA, Alappuzha

TLSC, Ambalappuzha conducted 6 campaign in different panchayaths.

TLSC, Kartikappally conducted 14 campaign in different panchayaths.

TLSC, Chengannoor conducted 10 campaign in different panchayaths and Municipality.

TLSC, Cherthala conducted 8 campaign in different Panchayath and municipality.

TLSC, Mavelikkara conducted 6 campaign in different panchayaths. DLSA, Thodupuzha

Awareness class at Nirbhaya Shelter Home. The scheme was read out in the assembly of all the Schools

in the District with support from the DEO, Thodupuzha and Kattappana.

Awareness class given to the Law Students of the 2 Law Colleges.

Pamphlets were distributed to Anganwadi teachers through ICDS Supervisors of 8 Block Panchayaths and all the Primary Health Centres through DMO.

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Awareness class for the Investigating Officers and writers of Thodupuzha Sub Division. Pamphlets were distributed. Pamphlets were distributed.

Awareness class for the Advocates of Thodupuzha Bar Association. Pamphlets published in the notice boards of all courts. DLSA, Ernakulam

DLSA, Ernakulam and TLSC, Kanayannur jointly started the campaign.

Campaign conducted in TLSC, Kothamangalam, TLSC-Aluva, TLSC-North Paravur, DLSA-Ernakulam, TLSC-Kunnathunadu, TLSC-Muvattupuzha and TLSC, Kochi. DLSA, Thrissur

One day awareness camp for Government servants at Cost ford Auditorium, Thrissur District.

Awareness programme at Collectorate Conference Hall Awareness class on 25.08.2018 for Asha Workers, Para Legal

Volunteers, Police Officers and School Students. Awareness programme for Police Officials, Municipality

Employees, Krishi Bhavan employees, Panchayath employees, Kudumbasree Members and Asha Workers.

Awareness camps in 4 Grama panchayaths. Awareness class t Police Conference Hall, Puthukkad.

DLSA ,Palakkad Awareness Camps

04.07.2018-Govt LP School, Kalpathy, Ayyapuram 18.07.2018-Agali Panchayath, Attappadi 19.07.2018-Puthur Panchayath, Attappadi 20.07.2018-Sholayar Pancahayth, Attappadi 23.07.2018–Collectorate Conference Hall, Palakkad 25.07.2018-Mediation Centre, Ottappalam Taluk 25.07.2018-National Services Society Hall, Mannarkkad 27.07.2018-Mediation Centre, Alathur Taluk 28.07.2018-Mini Civil Station, Chittur Taluk

DLSA, Manjeri Details of awareness camps/classes Panchayath /Municipality-60 Police Stations-21 Shelter Homes-4 Hospitals and PHCs -19 Bus stand/Railway Station-18 Awareness class also given to Trauma Care Volunteers, PLVs,

Kudumbasree members, members of Panchayaths etc.

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DLSA, Thalassery

Awareness Classes to : PLVs Child line functionaries and NGOs Representatives of Panchayaths and Municipalities in

Thalassery Taluk Ezhome Panchayath Judicial Officers of Thalassery Judicial District. Azhikode and Peralassery Schools. Kudumbasree Members of Peralassery Panchayath in Kannur

Taluk. Eruvessy Grama Panchayath Kudumbasree members in

Taliparamba Taluk. Madayi Grama Panchayath in Kannur Taluk.

DLSA, Kozhikode Awareness camps conducted in Calicut, Koyilandi, Vatakara,

Changaroth and Velam. Block Panchayath and Gramapanchayath members, staff of

DCPU, Child line, Social Justice Department, Police, CDS and ADS members, Members of NGOs, Para Legal Volunteers etc. were participated. DLSA, Kasaragod

From 23.07.2018 to 28.07.2018, DLSA, Kasaragod conducted awareness camps various Panchayaths. On 23.07.2018, Inauguration is in Kasaragod Municipality Vanitha Bhavan at 10.30.A.M.

Interaction and awareness classes to the members of the Panchayath, members of Kudumbasree and CDS. DLSA, Wayanad

3 Members in the campaign team

Judicial Officers Advocates Community Counselors Child Line Volunteers and PLVs Police Officers Officers from Social Justice Department Member Advocate from Panel. Team DLSAs and all TLSCs Programme Officer (Women and Child Development) District Coordinator Child Line District Child Protection Unit Nirbhaya Cell ITDP ICDS

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DCPU Local Bodies

4 Total Number of persons participated in the campaign

64362

VICTIMS OF DRUG ABUSE

KAITHIRI

As part of NALSA (Legal Services to the Victims of Drug Abuse and Eradication of

Menace), Scheme, 2015 DLSA, Alappuzha has conducted a Legal Services programme

named "Kaithiri" - to save our children from the evils of drug and other abuses. The second

phase of Kaithiri programme at panchayth level was inaugurated on 27/7/2018. The

programme aimed on drug issues, identified the drug related issues and gave counselling

to the students, parents and victims of drug abuse. The excise department also joined

DLSA in this venture. More than 450 cases on drug issues identified and solved about 70

cases with the help of Excise Department.

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HALF DAY WORKSHOP ON LEGAL AWARENESS

As part of NALSA (Legal Services to the Victim of Drug Abuse and Eradication of Drug Menace ) Scheme,2015,and NALSA (Child Friendly Legal Services to Children and their Protection )Scheme,2015 ,DLSA, Alappuzha along with Carmel College of Engineering And Technology conducted a half day workshop on Legal Awareness. About 100 students, teachers and Non teaching staff participated in the programme.

TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR PARA LEGAL VOLUNTEERS

A training programme was organised by the TLSC, Kochi on 25.7.2018

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LEGAL SERVICES TO CHILDREN

SPACE – Sincere Parenting And Child Education

DLSA Alappuzha launched a programme named SPACE – Sincere Parenting And Child

Education, as part of NALSA (Child friendly legal services to children and their protection)

scheme, 2015.

Its main aim is to tackle the issues faced by students in their day to day life and to

consolidate child education, better parenting & teacher ship in to one composite

programme with the hope of alleviating the stress of children caused by numerous

problems prevalent in our society.

Formed SPACE clubs in almost 550 High Schools & Higher Secondary Schools in the

district.

Conducted meeting with government officials, DDE ,DEO, RDD, School

Principals/Headmistress etc.

Conducted another meeting of Students, Parents and Teachers in all the schools to have

SPACE clubs.

Formed a panel of Qualified Counselors for SPACE Club.

This programme was inaugurated by Hon'ble Mr. Justice Kurian Joseph (Judge, supreme

court of India), presided by Hon'ble Mr. Justice K. Surendra Mohan (Judge, High Court Of

Kerala) and the logo of SPACE was unveiled by Mr. Sathyan (Member Secretary, KeLSA,

District Judge) on September 30, 2018.

Monthly report of the SPACE club will be send to DEO before 15th of every month and

the DEO should send the report to the concerned TLSC before 29 th of every month.

Mathrusangamam - Reaching the students through their mothers is very effective.

Special sessions (both general and class wise) shall be arranged in every institution twice

or thrice in every academic year. Through these sessions, DLSA can identify the 'problem

child' with the assistance of their class teachers as well as mothers and can deal with

their problems effectively. Sometimes students may need personal attention, counseling

etc. They can be given proper attention and care.

Personal Bio Data - Directions shall be given to the Heads of the Institutions to keep a

personal bio data book for each class with personal attention to each student. This book

shall contain all the details of the student, like their performance in academics, co-

curricular activities, behaviour, conduct, discipline, and the like. It shall be prepared by

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the class teacher personally. The list is not exhaustive but only suggestive. It will provide

an easy guide to the Institution Head, to get a complete picture regarding the student at

a glance.

Awareness classes - Mainly two types of awareness classes are arranged as part of this

program.

Legal awareness - Guardian and Wards Act, the Child Labour (Prohibition and

Regulation) Act, Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of children)Act, the Right of

Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, Protection of Children from Sexual

Offence Act 2012 etc. Legal awareness class also covers the laws relating to

Environment and Senior Citizens.

General awareness - General awareness classes were arranged to the students, their

parents and teachers. To the students it is based on the subject, Better Studentship. To

the parents it is based on two subjects namely, Art of Parenting or Sincere parenting

and the other one Motivating Parenting. Finally to the teachers, based on two subjects,

such as, Inspirational Education and Class Room Harmony.

The programme is focusing the students, teachers & parents of High School and

Higher Secondary schools.

Formed about 400 SPACE clubs in schools.

About 3000 students, parents and teachers are members in the SPACE clubs.

ANTI-RAGGING AWARENESS CLASSES

DLSA, Ernakulam has conducted anti-ragging awareness classes in all the

professional colleges in the Taluk.

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POCSO ALERT PHASE-II - WORKSHOP FOR HEAD MASTERS OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS

DLSA, Kozhikode & District Child Line has jointly conducted workshops to Police

Officers and Headmasters in Primary Schools on POCSO Act and JJ Act.

ADVOKATES & ADVOKIDS-A BIG HIT NOW

DLSA Ernakulam conducted Legal Awareness Class at Conference Hall, NUALS for

Law Srtudents. Dr. Kauser Edappagath, Chairman DLSA inaugurated the revamping of Legal

Aid Clinic and also the activities of AdvoKates &Advokids among students. He spoke about

the importance of Legal Services given by DLSA to the downtrodden and various reliefs

across all sectors of poor people.

Adv. Shyam Padman lectured on the topic, ‘Common pitfalls in social networking

/cyberspace-awareness-avoidance & management’ and interacted with the students.

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CLEAN CITY GREEN CITY

DLSA, Ernakulam has conducted the programme Clean City Green City @Vasco Da

Gama Square, Fort kochi with Cochin College Alumini Association. Installed dust bins in the

beach after cleaning.

SAMANEETHI

KeLSA in association with DLSA and Legal Aid Clinic NUALS KOCHI started a new venture for reducing litigations in villages in Ernakulam district.

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AWARENESS PROGRAMMES FOR THE PARENTS OF DIFFERENTLY ABLED STUDENTS

DLSA, Kozhikode has conducted awareness programme for the parents of differently

abled students on the relevant laws and schemes at Mukkam in association with

Kunnamangalam block Panchayath.

STRENGTHENING OF JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM

The refresher training relating to the implementation of Juvenile Justice [ Care and

Protection Act for Judicial officers of Ernakulam District Head Quarters, other officers of

Kanayannur and Kochi taluks was conducted at Conference Hall, District Court Ernakulam.

WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN PRISONERS

The second art workshop for women prisoners at Kakkanad women’s' jail by The Art

Outreach Society in association with DLSA. Except two who were unwell, all participated

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very enthusiastically. One needed a little coaxing. This time it was collages made from old

magazines. There were 12 participants divided in 3 groups.

OPPAM – NOT ALONE…

Old age… the declining years of humans…. During this stage, both physical and

mental health of the humans becomes declining. Their ability to withstand with diseases

were found decreasing. Immunity level becomes low. In this fast moving world, no one has

time to spend a little time with their aged parents. They are always busy and for them,

parents are burden. The aged parents are very often driven to the Shelter homes.

DLSA, Thiruvananthapuram launched new project ‘Not Alone’ – Oppam with the

objective of ensuring proper rehabilitation of the destitute, cured impatient of Mental

Health centre, Peroorkkada, Old Age Homes and other Shelter homes in

Thiruvananthapuram District. It has been brought to the notice of the Legal aid Clinic

attached to the MHC, Peroorkkada that in spite of cured mental illness, many inmates

were found behind the bars of the cells in the MHC, Peroorkkada. To rehabilitate them in

an atmosphere conducive to improve their mental health and to make them feel that they

are not alone, DLSA organized a special Adalat for them. The relatives of cured patients

were to attend in the Adalat to look into the feasibility of taking them home. DLSA could

bring 38 families to the MHC, Peroorkkada and 38 cases were considered in the Adalat, 18

cases were settled by sending the inmates with their family.

In continuation to the Not Alone project, a special Adalat was conducted for the

inmates of Asha Bhavan, Poojappura and Govt. Care Home, Pulayanarkotta. In the Adalat,

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30 cases were considered at Asha Bhavan, Poojappura and out of this, 11 inmates were

sent with their relatives and around 20 cases were considered in Govt. Care Home,

Pulayanarkotta, out of this, 2 inmates were sent back with their relatives. Many other

cases, the relatives agreed to visit their parents once in a month. The Adalat helped the

inmates to see their beloved children after a long time. There are no words to express

their emotions.

DISTRICT LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM MADE WAY TO SMT.

LAXMIBAI KRUSHNARAO PANPATIL TO REACH HOME

Smt. Laxmibai Krushnarao Panpatil was an inmate of Govt. Care home

Pulayanarkotta Thiruvananthapuram. On 22nd April 2016 Smt.Laxmibai Krushnarao, who

belonged to Amainer (Maharashtra) left her hometown to visit her grandsons at Surat

(Gujarat). But by mistake, she caught a train to Kochuveli and reached Kochuveli in TVPM.

She could speak only “Ahirani” a local version of “Marathi”. Nobody could understand her

language. She was transferred to Government Care Home Pulayanarkkotta at the

interference of Railway Protection Force, Kochuveli. Futile attempts were made to find out

her relatives. Her language was a big hurdle in the rehabilitation process. By the time the

social justice department decided to take Aadhar card to the inmates of the care home. In

the attempt, the care home authority got her address since she had already an Aadhar card.

DLSA TVPM addressed the matter to SLSA Maharashtra and who contacted DLSA Jalgaon to

find out the relatives of Smt. Laxmibai and finally, the relatives were located. Immediately

the Secretary DLSA Jalgaon contacted DLSA, TVPM and requested to facilitate the

immediate rehabilitation of Lakshmibai. Eight family members of Lakshmibai including her

three daughters and one daughter in law reached Government care home Pulayanarkkotta.

DLSA, TVM witnessed the reunion of mother and daughters. It was a memorable day. With

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the assistance of Sri.Mahindra Shinde, one close relative of Lakshmibai. Secretary, DLSA,

TVPM interacted with her and her daughters as well.

No words could express their happiness. They returned to Amainer from

Kochuveli Station where Lakshmibai was found two years back.

NIMISHA’S KIN TO GET REDRESS

The family of NImisha Thampi, the 22 year old BBA student who was brutally

murdered by a migrant worker at her home near Perumbavoor were given support to

obtain benefit from the interim relief granted under the Kerala Victim Compensation

Scheme, 2017.

EMPOWERMENT (STRENGTHENING) OF KUDUMBASHREE UNITS THROUGH LEGAL

AWARENESS

Lack of awareness of legal rights is one of the main causes of poverty. Now in Kerala

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Kudumbasree units are functioning well and most of the women in rural areas are

associated with these Kudumbasree Units. Now, under the Disha Campaign that was

launched on January, 2017 by the Kudumbashree, special groups of elderly people,

migrants, transgenders, persons with disabilities, members of Scheduled Castes and

Scheduled Tribes as well as people from coastal hamlets were created. In that circumstance,

through “Vigilant group” of Kudumbashree Units, DLSA, Kasaragod started to impart legal

awareness for the empowerment of women. On the request of these units, awareness

classes were conducted by the DLSA, Kasaragod.The resource persons (Lawyers) were given

directions to cover the laws relating to the above groups during the awareness classes. Till

September 2018, 10 legal awareness classes were conducted at Manjeshwaram, Bellur,

Balal, Kinanoor Karinthalam, Madikai, Kallar Panchayaths, 2 classes at West Eleri, and 2

other classes at Pallikkara.

INTERVENTION OF DLSA KASARAGOD IN MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

The intervention of DLSAs for resolution of social causes which affect the day to day

life of the general public, due to the negligence of the officials or for some other reasons

has caught the imagination of the beneficiaries. . One such incident is given below as an

example.

A bunch of petitions were received from the railway passengers, especially from Government Employees, who are travelling daily to their work place. The trains that they mostly depend on are passenger train Nos.56655 and 56656 (Kannur- Mangalore and Mangalore-Kannur). As these trains have stops at every local stations, a huge number of commuters depend them. When the train leaves from their departure stations, they are almost full. There are 16 stations in between Kannur and Kasaragod and vice versa. Once they board the train, it will be very difficult to place foot on the floor, because all the compartments are overcrowded. The reason for this is that though 16 compartments are to be connected, often railway for one reason or for another reduces it to 10 or 11. Commuters were very much aggrieved. They raised their grievances. It was futile. They as well as a Human Rights Association moved this Authority with Petitions. Notice was issued to the Divisional Manager, Palakkad Division. The officials from Mangalore Sub Division appeared before this Authority and made submission that they would consider to increase the number of coaches after discussion with the higher officials. Later, the Railway has taken steps to increase the number of coaches to 16 and to retain so many coaches to avoid the inconvenience to the commuters. This intervention was a great relief to the general public who depend these trains to commute daily.

31

RESCUE OF THREE BOYS

On 24-7-2018 DLSA Secretary has commenced efforts to rescue three boys, who have

been allegedly held captive in squalid living conditions by their parents at N. Paravur.

LOK ADALAT

NATIONAL LOK ADALAT ON 14-07-2018

Month Case Listed Total

cases

listed

Considered Settled Total Amount

Involved

Pending PLP Pending PLP Pending PLP Considered Settled

14.07.2018 42512 67434 109946 26875 36621 6434 11557 63496 17991 2000825

267

Total 42512 67434 109946 26875 36621 6434 11557 63496 17991 2000825

267

LOK ADALAT OTHER THAN NATIONAL LOK ADALAT Month Pre - litigation Pending cases Total

Taken up

Dispo

sed

Settlement

Amount

Take

n up

Dispo

sed

Settlement

Amount

Taken

up

Dispos

ed

Settlement

Amount

No of

benches

constitu

ted

July - 18 6119 1533 49401577 3073 325 45571186 9192 1858 94972763 186

August -

18 6780 1488 13072804 937 464 48307663 7717 1952 61380467 183

Septemb

er - 18 7337 2403 55706847 2008 841 151262982 9345 3244 206969829 188

Total 20236 5424 118181228 6018 1630 245141831 26254 7054 363323059 557

32

PERMANENT LOK ADALAT

Month No of cases pending as on

the beginning of the Month

No of cases

received during

the Month

No of

cases

settled

during the

Month

Total value /

amount of

settlement

No of

sittings

July - 18 506 37 44 3600937 25 days

August - 18 495 11 44 3682370 20 days

September -

18 457 47 33 1742317 20 days

Total 1458 95 121 9025624

FREE AND COMPETENT LEGAL SERVICES MONITORING COMMITTEE

Sl.No Description As on 30.09.2018

1 Number of Legal Services Institutions in the State

79

2 Number of Legal Services Institutions in the State for which Monitoring Committees have been constituted

44

3 Number of Monitoring Committees in the State which submit bi-monthly reports to the Executive Chairman / Chairman of the Legal Services Institutions

14 Districts

PANEL LAWYERS

Sl.No Description As on 30.09.2018

1 Total Number of Panel Advocates in the State 3434

2 Number of Advocates as Retainer in the Front Office 279

3 Total Number of cases assigned to all Panel Advocates in the State 3952

4 Number of Trainings for Panel Advocates held in the States 5

5 Number of Panel Advocates provided Training 411

33

PARA LEGAL VOLUNTEERS

Sl.No Description As on 30.09.2018

1 Total Number of trained PLVs in the State 2461

2 Total Number of PLVs trained in the State / UT 2461

3 Number of PLVs trained in the current year belonging to the following group:-

a Women 1617

b Inmates 2

c Others 842

4 Number of refresher training held for PLVs 28

5 Number of PLVs that received refresher trainings 1190

6 Number of PLVs in actual use in :-

a Front Offices 281

b Legal Services Clinics 1129

c Police Stations 387

d One Stop Crisis Centres 6

e Juvenile Justice Boards / Child Welfare Committees 10

f For other tasks (Jails) 235

7 Number of Days per Week for which PLVs are deputed in:

a Front Offices 96

b

Legal Services Clinics (Including LACs in Jails and Juvenile

Justice Boards) 114

c Police Stations 32

d One Stop Crisis Centres 3

e Juvenile Justice Boards / Child Welfare Committees 6

f For other tasks (Jails) 154

LEGAL SERVICES CLINICS

Sl.No Description As on 30.09.2018

1 Total number of LSCs operational in the State / UT 1139

2 Average number of LSCs per district 310

3 Number of Jails in the State/UT with functional LSCs 53

4 Number of Jails in the State / UT with no functional LSCs 14

5

Number of LSCs that have at least 2 Para Legal Volunteers

deputed on a regular basis 395

6

Number of LSCs that do not have at least 2 Para Legal

Volunteers deputed on a regular basis 340

7

Average number of visits by empanelled advocates to

LSCs 4 days in a week

34

LEGAL AWARENESS PROGRAMMES

Sl.No Description As on 30.09.2018

1

Total number of awareness

camps/seminars/colloquia/sensitization programmes

organized in the State / UT in the quarter 2043

2

Number of awareness

camps/seminars/colloquia/sensitization programmes held

in Jails in the quarter 531

3

Number of Jails in the State where awareness

camps/seminars/colloquia/sensitization programmes were

held in the quarter 14

4

Number of Jails in the State where awareness

camps/seminars/colloquia/sensitization programmes were

not held in the quarter 21

5

Number of awareness

camps/seminars/colloquia/sensitization programmes held

in Juvenile Homes in the quarter 3

6

Number of Juvenile Homes in the State where awareness

camps/ seminars/ colloquia/ sensitization programmes were

held in the quarter 4

7

Number of Juvenile Homes in the State where awareness

camps/ seminars/ colloquia/ sensitization programmes were

not held in the quarter 7

MEDIATION

Mediation activities are monitored by the Hon’ble Board of Governors of Kerala State

Mediation and Conciliation Centre and executed by the Director, ADR Centre in coordination

with the District Mediation Centres / Sub Centres and DLSAs and TLSCs

MEDIATORS AND MEDIATION CENTRES

Sl.No Description As on 30.09.2018

1 Number of Trained Mediators in the State 538

By the MCPC NIL

By other agencies NIL

Total 538

2 Number of districts in the State/ UT where there are no trained mediators NIL

3 Total number of functional mediation centres in the State/UT 65

35

4 Number of districts in the State/UT where there are no mediation centres NIL

PENDECY OF CASES

Sl.No Description As on 30.09.2018

1

Number of cases pending before the mediation centre at

the beginning of the quarter 4809

2 Number of cases referred for mediation during the quarter 9252

3

Number of referred cases deemed unfit for settlement

during the quarter NIL

4 Number of cases settled during the quarter 2908

5

Number of cases pending before the mediation centre at

the end of the quarter 5581

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