Workshop Strengthens Access to Justice in Jammu & Kashmir
A significant workshop under the Tele-Law Initiative, part of the DISHA scheme, took place on February 17, 2026, at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. Organized by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, the event aimed to enhance access to justice through technology and foster discussions among key stakeholders, including judicial officers, advocates, and students.
Key Dignitaries Attend the Event
The workshop featured notable guests, including Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of State for Law and Justice, and Shri Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The Chief Guest, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, emphasized the importance of ensuring justice for all citizens, stating, “Mulk ke aayeen ke anusaar sabko justice prapt karne ka haq hai aur iss workshop ka bhi yahi uddeshya hai.” He stressed that justice should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their location.
Celebrating National Heritage
The event commenced with a ceremonial lamp lighting and a cultural presentation of “Vande Mataram,” commemorating its 150th anniversary. Following this, the Secretary (Justice) underscored the Constitutional mandate found in Articles 39A, 14, and 21, highlighting DISHA’s role in ensuring timely and affordable justice, especially in underserved regions.
Raising Awareness of Tele-Law Services
As part of the workshop, an informational video was showcased to educate citizens on how Tele-Law services operate. It explained the integration of Tele-Law with the Nyaya Bandhu program and the support provided by Nyaya Sahayaks. This initiative connects beneficiaries with qualified legal professionals and pro bono advocates, significantly aiding in the delivery of legal services at the grassroots level.
Recognizing Grassroots Contributions
During the event, several panel lawyers, Nyaya Sahayaks, and Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) were honored for their exceptional contributions towards improving access to justice. Their efforts in providing legal assistance and raising awareness of legal rights were commended, highlighting their essential role in empowering communities.
Transforming Justice Delivery Systems
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also addressed the workshop, emphasizing that “justice delayed is justice denied.” He pointed out the pressing issue of court pendency and advocated for initiatives like Tele-Law which have already benefited over 7.5 lakh individuals across nearly 4,000 Panchayats. He encouraged ongoing collaboration with the Department of Justice to further enhance legal access.
A Collaborative Effort for Last-Mile Justice
The workshop served as a fruitful platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and strengthen coordination for effective last-mile justice delivery. Joint Secretary delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all attendees for their contributions and acknowledging the importance of digital solutions in making justice more inclusive.
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