SRINAGAR: District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Srinagar, organized an awareness programme on the Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) at Central Jail Srinagar. The initiative was conducted under the able guidance of Shazia Tabasum, Member Secretary of J&K Legal Services Authority, and under the chairmanship of  Tasleem Arif, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Srinagar, and under the supervision of  Sajad Ur Rehman, Sub-Judge/Secretary, DLSA Srinagar.

The primary objective of the event was to educate jail inmates about the role and significance of the UTRC in safeguarding their rights and ensuring they are not unduly detained.   The programme witnessed the active participation of Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) from the Prison Legal Aid Clinic, alongside jail inmates. Tasneem Kausar, Deputy Legal Aid Defense Counsel, served as the resource person and provided in-depth insights into the mandate of the UTRC. 

She highlighted the committee’s role in reviewing the cases of undertrial prisoners, ensuring that their legal rights are upheld, and emphasizing the importance of swift justice. The session also covered legal remedies available to inmates, the necessity of speedy trials, and their constitutional rights within the criminal justice system. 

A key focus of the programme was to inform inmates about the upcoming 2nd UTRC meeting scheduled for 15th April 2025.   Tasneem Kausar urged the inmates to come forward with their cases, particularly those falling under the 15 specified categories eligible for review under the UTRC framework. She reassured them that the legal aid system is committed to addressing their concerns and ensuring that deserving cases are brought before the committee for consideration. 

The interactive session saw enthusiastic participation from the inmates, who engaged in discussions with the resource person and sought clarifications on various legal matters. Their involvement reflected a growing awareness and willingness to exercise their legal rights.  The initiative reaffirmed the commitment of the District Legal Services Authority to upholding justice, promoting legal literacy, and ensuring access to legal aid for all, particularly those within the prison system. 

DLSA Srinagar remains dedicated to its mission of fostering a fair and equitable justice system. Through such initiatives, it continues to address the challenges faced by inmates and strengthen the collaborative efforts of legal services authorities in ensuring justice for all.   

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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