Inauguration of free legal service clinic at PES University

The Faculty of Law, PES University, took the first step in establishing a legal services clinic on the campus. The clinic was inaugurated by Shri. H. Shashidhara Shetty, District Judge, and Member Secretary, Karnataka State Legal Services Authority, was the chief guest for the event held on March 24, 2022.

Later, the chief guest addressing the students said that the inclusion of legal services in the curriculum is very essential. He highlighted the lack of awareness among citizens, especially in the rural areas about their right to free legal aid as provided under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 and Article 39A of the Constitution. He also thanked the Management of the University for its participation in the mission to provide free legal aid and expressed his willingness to cooperate.

Dr. M.R. Doreswamy, Chancellor of the PES University congratulated the law department for the initiative to establish the legal services clinic. He stressed the need for making people aware of this facility. He suggested the department take up steps to create facilities in order to create awareness among the general public.

Dr. K.S. Sridhar, Registrar of PES University, Dr. Shailashree Haridas, Advisor, Faculty of Law along with faculty and students were present on the occasion.

About the Legal Services Clinic

The Legal Services Clinic established by Faculty of Law aims to provide free and competent legal and para legal services to the poor and marginalized sections of the society who have challenges in accessing the judicial system by emphasising on vital elements of legal awareness such as rights of women and children, disputes at pre-litigation stage, availing Government schemes and access to Lok Adalats to prevent frivolous litigation.

In order to realise our aim, this student-run clinic will function on all working days from Monday to Friday wherein citizens in need of legal advice can approach the clinic to educate themselves on the rights and legal recourse available to them. Additionally, we have adopted a village named Managallu in Magadi Taluk with the aim of making it a litigation-free village. Frequent visits shall be made to the village by the volunteers to help the villagers in resolving their disputes amicably. Lastly, it also serves as a bridge between people in need of legal aid and the members of KSLSA in order to promote justice for all.