GANDERBAL: Secretary, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Ganderbal, Sheikh Babar Hussain, convened a monthly review meeting to assess the performance of Legal Aid Defence Counsels (LADCs) in the district.

The meeting aimed to ensure standards of service delivery, identifying challenges faced by LADCs, and discuss strategies for improvement.

All LADCs of DLSA Ganderbal attended the meeting.

During the meeting, Deputy LADC Ganderbal, presented the status of cases assigned to them, including 31 cases, comprising 11 Sessions Trials and 20 Magisterial Trials.

Secretary reviewed case files and registers maintained by LADCs, observing their diligence in attending cases and maintaining records.

LADCs highlighted several issues confronting them, which hampers office work and record maintenance.

Secretary, DLSA Ganderbal, reviewed the performance of LADCs, including their attendance, case management, and compliance as per job profiles.

He stressed LADCs to ensure punctuality in attending court proceedings and refrain from seeking unnecessary adjournments. He also emphasized LADCs to provide comprehensive legal services, including visits to jails and police stations and to raise awareness among the general public, especially in backward and far-flung areas.

Secretary, DLSA Ganderbal, assured the Deputy LADC that he would take up the matter of filling vacant posts of supporting staff with the Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority, for an early resolution.

The meeting aimed to enhance the provision of legal aid services, ensure equitable access to justice, and promote competent representation in criminal trials.