Refresher Training Programme for Legal Aid Defence Counsels
On the occasion of the inaugural ceremony of the Refresher Training Program for Legal Aid Defence Counsels (‘LADCs’), Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha, Chhattisgarh High Court, delivered a powerful and motivating address.
In his address, he expressed his deep appreciation for the essential work carried out by the LADCs, who serve as the cornerstone of the State’s commitment of providing legal aid to those in need. He stated, “Your role is not just that of a lawyer but as a protector of justice, a beacon of hope for those who cannot afford legal representation.” He further emphasised the importance of the title “Nyaya Rakshak” i.e., defender of justice given by the National Legal Services Authority (‘NALSA’) to Defence Counsels. He remarked, “This title is not just an honour but a responsibility that requires dedication, integrity, and relentless commitment to justice”.
With the growing demand for Legal Aid Services, Justice Sinha highlighted that Chhattisgarh currently has 106 Chief, Deputy, and Assistant Defence Counsels, along with a dedicated support staff of 172 personnel. Acknowledging the increasing need, he mentioned that additional 178 posts have been approved, bringing the total number of personnel in the LADC System to 350. Recruitment for these posts was already in progress, ensuring that the system remains robust and responsive to the growing caseload. Noting that LADCs handled 12,728 cases in 2023 and 17,773 cases in 2024, Justice Sinha highlighted the remarkable progress made by the Legal Aid Defence Council System. He also underscored that the number of successfully resolved cases increased from 6,965 in 2023 to 9,185 in 2024. He remarked that this progress was a testament to the dedication, expertise and hard work of the LADCs.
Justice Sinha also stressed the importance of empathy and understanding. He urged the LADCs to engage deeply with the accused, listen attentively to their grievances, and treat them with dignity and respect so that they feel heard, supported, and represented. He also emphasised the need for understanding the full context of each case and take a personalised approach.
“Every case is different, and a one-size-fits-all approach does not work in legal defence. You must develop strong case-handling strategies, analyse the facts thoroughly, prepare well-researched arguments, and ensure that no detail is overlooked”.
Furthermore, Justice Sinha underscored the importance of preparation, dedication, and responsibility in legal practice. He encouraged the Legal Aid Defence Counsels to give their best in every case, no matter how small or complex, as their efforts directly contributed to the public’s trust in the Legal Aid System.
“You are not just lawyers—you are advocates of justice, voices for the voiceless, and defenders of rights,”
Recognising the increasing role of technology in the legal profession, he encouraged the participants to embrace digital tools for case management, research and documentation. He underscored that technology could help lawyers work more efficiently, stay organised, and strengthen their arguments with quick access to legal precedents and references.
“In today’s fast-evolving world, technology is an integral part of the legal profession”
While reminding the counsels that the law was constantly evolving, he stated that staying updated with legal developments was crucial for remaining effective at their job. He encouraged the participants to use this training program as a platform to share experiences, learn from each other, and adopt best practices for ultimately contributing to the strength of the justice system.
Concluding his address, Justice Sinha extended his best wishes for a fruitful training program.
Thereafter, the Director, Chhattisgarh Judicial Academy delivered the welcome address and the inaugural ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by the Member Secretary, State Legal Services Authority. The inaugural ceremony was also attended by the Registrar General of the Chhattisgarh High Court, Officers of the Registry and Officers of the State Judicial Academy.
The Inaugural session was followed by various technical sessions which consisted of discussions and deliberations with the participants on various topics such as Bail, Defense Strategies, Cross Examination, Effective client communication and management skills and more. A total of 47 Chief and Deputy LADCs spanning all districts participated in this Refresher Training programme.
Inauguration of new record rooms and Victim Rest Room at Surajpur District Court
On 21-03-2025, the Surajpur District Court inaugurated eight new record rooms and a rest room for victims of sexual harassment in the Court premises. The virtual inauguration ceremony was attended by Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha, Chhattisgarh High Court, and Justice A.K. Prasad, Portfolio Judge, Surajpur.
On this occasion, Justice Sinha delivered an address wherein he reflected that during the inspection of the Surajpur District Court, he discovered that records since 1949 were available in the record rooms and there was no proper maintenance and arrangement system for them. Thus, eight new record rooms were constructed to keep the records safe and well organised.
Regarding the rest room, he stated that it was constructed to provide a cordial environment to the victims of sexual harassment in the Court premises and they would feel more secure, especially if the victim was a minor. He also stated that such victims would be able to give testimonies in the rest room without any inconvenience.
“Victims of sexual harassment will feel more secure if a harmonious environment is available to them.”
The Registrar General of the Chhattisgarh High Court, Officers of the Registry, Judges of the Surajpur District Court, Judicial Officers, Administrative Officers, Police Officers, Advocates, and media representatives were also present in the inaugural ceremony.
