Mangaluru: The Legal Literacy Chariot and the Mobile Lok Adalat were flagged off at the court premises, Kodialbail here, on August 31.
Mangaulu’s Family Court Judge Bailur Shankar Rama flagged off the the Legal Literacy Chariot and inaugurated the Mobile Lok Adalat along with other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Bailur Shankar Rama said that the Legal Service Authority Act has made a provision for improvement and enlightenment in various facets of law to the general public. According to him, the very move itself speaks about creation of awareness among the people. The Deputy Commissioner has extended his wholehearted cooperation and all NGOs have also joined the programme and have been spreading awareness since 17 August 2015. This Legal Services Awareness programme has already been completed in Sullia, Puttur, Bantwal and Beltangady taluks and will be continued for the next 4 days in various places in the city limits at various colleges and other institutions to create awareness on not only matters relating to Women and Child Welfare but also the Motor Vehicle Act and other laws of general interest. He called on all Mangaloreans to avail the benefits of the legal awareness programme so that they follow litigation in pre-litigation cases, Lok Adalats and also judicial settlements. “Our motto is that this awareness reaches the poorest of the poor and the people living in the remotest of villages should know about the changes brought in the legal system. They will benefit from active participation in this mission,” he added.
Deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim said that DK District is famous for education and the people of the district are intellectuals. “Some anti social elements, due to lack of knowledge, take law in their hands. We need to understand the legal services which are available in the legal system.” He further said that many acts like the RTI and child education rights have been misused. “This mobile Lok Adalat will help to bring understanding among the people about the legal system; at the same time, people should make use of this facility. The youth will greatly benefit as they will understand the legal system and the ways to use it,” he said.
President of Mangaluru Bar Association S P Chengappa, recalling a quote of Martin Luther King Jr., said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”. He also recalled a quote of Abraham Lincoln and said, “Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. As a peacemaker the lawyer has superior opportunity of being a good man”. He also said that the media should play a vital role in spreading news of the mobile Lok Adalat to every house, so that people can make use of such services.
DSP Kumar said that there are a number of people who do not know the procedures of the court. “They are hesitant to come to the court. Some people cannot afford to pay the fees of the lawyers. In such situations, the Mobile Lok Adalat will help them.” He also urged the media to spread the message to the people so that they can be aware of such facilities.
Senior Civil Judge Ganesh B, information officer Khader Shah and others were also present.