The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Andaman & Nicobar Islands, in collaboration with PRAYAS JAC, conducted a Legal Awareness Programme at the Calicut Gram Panchayat Hall, aimed at educating the public on key legal provisions and access to justice.
The programme was presided over by Neyaz Alam, Additional District Judge, and addressed by Jayanta Mukherjee, Judicial Magistrate First Class (2nd Court), Port Blair. Mukherjee provided detailed insights into the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, explaining its key provisions and procedures for filing complaints before the Local Committee.
Mukherjee also addressed broader legal issues, including civil disputes, domestic violence, and litigation procedures, highlighting the role of Legal Services Authorities in providing legal support and ensuring access to justice for all sections of society. The session aimed to strengthen understanding of rights and remedies available under Indian law, particularly at the community level.
The programme was attended by T. Yaghambaram, Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Calicut, along with members of the local community. Active participation and interaction during the session reflected growing public interest in legal awareness and the effective functioning of justice delivery mechanisms.
The event was coordinated by Maria Sheela, Regional Head of PRAYAS JAC, with K. Vijay Kumar, Advisor of PRAYAS JAC, also present. Organizers emphasised the importance of grassroots legal education in fostering informed communities capable of navigating civil, domestic, and workplace-related legal issues.
Participants were encouraged to engage with the Legal Services Authorities for guidance on filing complaints, resolving disputes, and understanding their legal rights. The programme is part of ongoing efforts by the DLSA to enhance legal literacy across the islands and promote an inclusive approach to justice.
By focusing on both specific laws like the POSH Act and broader legal rights, the initiative aimed to empower citizens with knowledge that can help prevent violations, facilitate early dispute resolution, and support equitable access to the justice system.
