Legal Aid Program

Part of Deepak Foundation's Annual Report, 2001-2002

Whereas the Sangathans are solving many cases at the village level itself, there are some cases that they are unable to solve. These are then referred to the Legal Aid Center run by DCT. This center, funded by the Department of Women and Child Development, was set up in 1998. It is staffed by a lawyer (part-time) and social workers. Its mandate is to generate awareness on the laws that exist for the protection of women. It organizes mass awareness programs in the community. It acts as an arbitrator and brings about compromises between two parties. In those cases, which cannot be solved, legal intervention is sought. A total of 207 cases were handled by the center during the year of which they could successfully solve 33%. The other cases are still pending. The center was able to get Rs.1,49,500 sanctioned as maintenance for women who had been deserted by their husbands.

The emphasis in the coming year is on increasing legal awareness among the community and solve those cases, which are pending so far.

Details of Cases Handled by Legal Aid Center