Information Provided on Fundamental Rights and the Protection of Women, Children, Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities
Shailendra Srivastava
Buxar: Under the aegis of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Buxar, a legal awareness camp was organized at KTN Law College, Buxar, in accordance with the directions of District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairperson Kajal Jha and Sub-Divisional Judge-cum-Secretary Neha Dayal.
During the camp, Panel Advocate Manoj Kumar Srivastava and Para-Legal Volunteer (PLV) Anisha Bharti provided information about important legal provisions relating to fundamental rights and the protection of women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Speaking at the programme, Panel Advocate Manoj Kumar Srivastava explained the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India. He stated that Fundamental Rights are described in Part III of the Constitution, covering Articles 12 to 35. He further explained that the Indian Constitution also drew inspiration from the Constitution of the United States in framing the concept of Fundamental Rights. At present, six Fundamental Rights are recognized in India.
He said that Fundamental Rights form the foundation of every citizen’s dignity, liberty, equality and right to live a dignified life.
Regarding the protection of women, he explained that the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 provides women with protection and legal remedies against domestic violence. Women should remain aware of their rights and seek appropriate legal assistance in cases of violence, harassment or exploitation.
The rights and protection of children were also discussed. Information was provided about legal provisions aimed at protecting children from child labour, child marriage, violence and sexual offences. The programme also highlighted the rights of senior citizens, including their dignity, safety and maintenance, as well as the rights of persons with disabilities.
It was informed that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 safeguards various rights of persons with disabilities, including equality, dignity and protection against discrimination.
Legal Aid Without the Requirement of Written Literacy
The Panel Advocate explained that free legal aid is provided to eligible persons so that no one is deprived of justice due to economic or social circumstances. He specifically stated that a person does not need to be literate or capable of submitting a written application in order to obtain legal aid.
A person in need can also explain their problem orally before the concerned Legal Services Authority, after which necessary legal advice and assistance can be provided.
PLV Anisha Bharti informed the students and other participants about the legal services being provided by the District Legal Services Authority and the procedure for obtaining assistance for people in need. She appealed to the public to contact the Legal Services Authority without fear or hesitation in case of any legal problem or violation of their rights.
Information was also provided about emergency assistance numbers, including the National Emergency Service Number 112, Women’s Helpline 1091/14490, and Police Helpline 100.
The college principal, teachers and students participated in the programme. The participants were encouraged to remain aware of their fundamental rights and to become more sensitive towards the rights and legal protection of women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
