Gandhi Jayanti in Gumla: Jail Inmates Receive Legal Guidance and Health Awareness

A jail court, legal awareness programme and health camp were organised at the Gumla divisional jail on Friday to mark Gandhi Jayanti, with a focus on educating inmates about their legal rights, providing access to free legal assistance and encouraging their social reintegration.

The programme was organised under the directions of the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA), Ranchi, and the guidance of Principal District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairman of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Gumla, Ajit Kumar Singh.

Addressing the inmates, acting secretary and acting judge Prateek Raj urged them to avoid impulsive actions, greed and conduct that could harm others. He emphasised that people should strive to help others whenever possible and, at the very least, refrain from causing harm.

Invoking Mahatma Gandhi's principles of truth, non-violence and moral conduct, Raj encouraged inmates to adopt positive values and contribute constructively to society. He also highlighted the importance of making responsible choices and working towards a better future.

Raj noted that legal awareness initiatives inside the jail were producing encouraging results, with an increasing number of inmates applying for legal assistance in their cases. He said eligible inmates were being provided with lawyers according to their requirements, while advocates associated with the Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) system were examining cases and extending necessary legal support.

During the programme, LADC advocate Bundeshwar Gop explained the functioning of the Legal Aid Defence Counsel system and outlined the free legal services available to inmates through the District Legal Services Authority. He also explained how prisoners could approach the legal services authorities to seek assistance in their cases.

Jitendra Singh also briefed inmates on various legal provisions and stressed the importance of understanding the law and exercising one's legal rights. He urged them to follow Gandhi's ideals and use legal awareness as a means of making informed decisions.

Alongside the legal awareness sessions, the programme also addressed health-related concerns. Inmates were made aware of essential health services and encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyle practices.

Those present included LADC advocates Bundeshwar Gop, Jitendra Singh and Indu Pandey, acting Jailor Anil Jojo, Prakash Pandey, Priyanshu Tiwari, Pappu Kumar, other jail staff and inmates.

The initiative sought to combine legal empowerment with health awareness and moral guidance, helping inmates understand their rights, avoid further involvement in crime and prepare for a more constructive return to society.