SRINAGAR: A regional event-cum-workshop under the Tele-Law Initiative of the DISHA (Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice) scheme was organised on February 17 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre, reaffirming the Government’s focus on technology-enabled access to justice in Jammu and Kashmir.
The workshop was convened by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen last-mile justice delivery through digital platforms and foster dialogue among key stakeholders, including judicial officers, advocates, administrators, Common Service Centre functionaries, law students and civil society representatives.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Arjun Ram Meghwal, attended as Chief Guest. The event was also graced by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Arun Palli.
In his address, Meghwal underscored that access to justice must reach every citizen irrespective of geography, and said technology-driven initiatives such as Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu and legal literacy programmes were central to realising constitutional guarantees under Articles 14, 21 and 39A. He emphasised that digital platforms have transformed justice delivery by bringing pre-litigation legal advice and pro bono services closer to citizens, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted that justice is a constitutional right and said the workshop aimed to ensure that legal remedies are accessible to all. Referring to the growing pendency in courts, he stressed the importance of resolving disputes at the pre-litigation stage to reduce unnecessary burden on the judiciary. He noted that the Tele-Law initiative has already benefited over 7.5 lakh people across nearly 4,000 panchayats, playing a significant role in timely legal assistance and dispute resolution.
The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and a cultural presentation marking the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram.” A short film was screened to raise awareness about the functioning of Tele-Law services, its integration with Nyaya Bandhu, and the role of Nyaya Sahayaks in connecting beneficiaries with qualified legal professionals.
Achievers under the Tele-Law initiative, including panel lawyers, Nyaya Sahayaks and Village Level Entrepreneurs, were felicitated for their contribution to strengthening grassroots access to justice. The recognition highlighted their role in spreading legal awareness, facilitating consultations and reinforcing public trust in the justice delivery system.
The workshop provided a platform for policy dialogue, experience-sharing and coordination among institutions such as Common Service Centres, legal services authorities and academic bodies. Officials said the deliberations would help further expand pro bono networks, enhance digital outreach and improve implementation of technology-enabled legal services across the Union Territory.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the participation of stakeholders and expressing confidence that the outcomes of the workshop would translate into stronger, inclusive and digitally accessible justice delivery in Jammu and Kashmir.
