District Legal Services Authority/Legal Aid Defense Counsel Kishtwar

26/09/2026

District Legal Services Authority Kishtwar holds consultation on legal support for disaster victims in Kishtwar
Virtual court held from Kishtwar by Hon’ble Justice Sanjeev Kumar

KISHTWAR, SEPTEMBER 26, 2026: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Kishtwar, under the aegis of the J&K Legal Services Authority and in collaboration with UNICEF India, organised a one-day consultation on “Strengthening Access to Legal Services for Disaster Victims through the NALSA (Legal Services to Disaster Victims) Scheme, 2010” at Government Degree College, Kishtwar. Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority, graced the programme as Chief Guest.
On his arrival, his Lordship was accorded a Guard of Honour. Afterward, his Lordship inaugurated an exhibition featuring stalls of departments of District Kishtwar and a Legal Literacy Club at Government Degree College, Kishtwar. The One-Day Consultation Programme commenced with the inspiring inaugural address delivered by Hon’ble Justice Sanjeev Kumar, setting the tone for meaningful deliberations on strengthening access to justice and legal services.
The consultation brought together judicial officers, district administration, disaster response agencies, legal services functionaries and UNICEF representatives to examine how legal assistance, relief and rehabilitation can reach disaster-affected persons promptly, particularly children and other vulnerable groups.
In a significant demonstration of access to justice through technology, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjeev Kumar also held an online court from Kishtwar and heard cases of His Lordship’s Bench through virtual mode during the visit.
During his presidential address, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjeev Kumar emphasised that legal aid clinics and Legal Services Institutions must serve as accessible first points of assistance for disaster victims. His Lordship called for timely identification of affected persons, legal counselling, help in obtaining essential documents and securing compensation and entitlements, and continued follow-up through rehabilitation. He stressed that the main focus must be given to children, women, persons with disabilities and others who face barriers in accessing assistance.
His Lordship stressed the need to strengthen Core Groups at district and community levels and to establish clear coordination among Legal Aid Clinics, Para-Legal Volunteers, Core Groups, DLSAs and the Legal Services Authority.
DLSA Kishtwar was directed to document field interventions, submit reports promptly, review pending entitlements and coordinate closely with the civil administration, disaster management authorities and child protection agencies. Justice Sanjeev Kumar observed that effective implementation of the NALSA Scheme depends on sustained assistance to affected families at the grassroots level.
Mr. Sudhir Kumar Khajuria, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Kishtwar and Chairman, DLSA Kishtwar, led a technical session on the role of Legal Services Authorities in disaster response, relief and rehabilitation. Mr. Hilal Ahmad Bhat, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF J&K, and his team discussed disaster risk education, child protection and the proposed scale-up of legal services interventions for disaster-affected communities.
Mr. Pankaj Kumar Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, highlighted the district administration’s response to the Chashoti cloudburst of August 14, 2025, including rescue, restoration and relief measures. He also outlined steps for improved preparedness and coordination. Para-Legal Volunteers Ms. Uzma Tabassum and Mr. Sikander Singh shared field perspectives, while students spoke from Kidzee Goodwill International Public School namely Dhriti Sharma, Rugvija Sharma from class 8th and from Al Hilal Educational Institute, Kishtwar namely Ufaira Anam kelam who also, delivered speeches on disaster awareness and preparedness.

During the programme, motorised tricycles were distributed to beneficiaries as a part of the effort to support mobility and rehabilitation.
The programme was also attended by Ms. Shazia Tabasum, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority; Mr. Sudhir Kumar Khajuria; PDJ and Chairperson, DLSA Kishtwar; Mr Pankaj Kumar Sharma,Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar; Mr. Sunny Gupta, SSP Kishtwar; Mr. Lekh Raj Badyal, Principal, Government Degree College, Kishtwar; judicial officers; Mr. Muzamil Hayat Kabli, Administrative Officer, J&K Legal Services Authority, representatives of UNICEF, SDRF and the Army; members of the Bar; legal aid functionaries; faculty members; students and civil society representatives.

18/09/2026

Today on 15.09.2026 as per the Calendar of Activities for the month of September 2026, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Kishtwar, under the guidance of the Worthy Chairman, DLSA Kishtwar Mr. Sudhir Kumar Khajuria (Principal District & Sessions Judge, Kishtwar) and under the supervision of the Learned Secretary, DLSA Kishtwar, Ms. Meera Bangotra, organized an awareness programme on Cyber Laws at Govt. Girls High Secondary School, Kishtwar.
The programme was organized with the objective of creating awareness among the girls students about the Cyber Laws. During the programme, the resource person Ms. Iram Sabha (Assistant LADC Kishtwar) delivered a lecture on the topic: what are cybercrimes and its types, legal consequences of cybercrimes and how to protect oneself from the cybercrimes.
Thereafter, Sub-Inspector Arfan from cyber cell, Police Station, Kishtwar spoke on the topic Do’s and Don’ts to protect yourself from cyber crimes and protect your privacy.
The concluding address was delivered by Ms. Swati Devi (PLV Kishtwar) by presenting vote of thanks and she also informed the participants that free legal services are available through the District Legal Services Authority for eligible persons who are unable to afford legal representation.
The programme received a positive response from the students. The participants actively interacted with the resource persons and raised several questions, which were answered during the session. The Headmaster and staff of the school appreciated the efforts of the DLSA Kishtwar and expressed their gratitude for organizing such an informative programme

18/09/2026

Today on 13.09.2026 as per the Calendar of Activities for the month of September 2026, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Kishtwar, under the guidance of the Worthy Chairman, DLSA Kishtwar Mr. Sudhir Kumar Khajuria (Principal District & Sessions Judge, Kishtwar) and under the supervision of the Learned Secretary, DLSA Kishtwar, Ms. Meera Bangotra, organized an awareness programme on Climate Change and Disaster at Bimal Naag Saroor, Kishtwar.

The programme was organized with the objective of creating awareness among the students and the local community about the causes and effects of climate change and the importance of being prepared for natural disasters. The programme was attended by several distinguished guests, including the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), the Naib Tehsildar, the DDC Member of Drabshalla, and students of Hillside Public School. Their presence added great value to the programme and encouraged the students to actively participate in the discussions.

The speakers highlighted the increasing impact of climate change, including irregular weather patterns, rising temperatures, floods, landslides, droughts and other natural hazards. The programme received a positive response from the students. The participants actively interacted with the resource persons and raised several questions, which were answered during the session.

12/09/2026

3rd National Lok Adalat Held in District Kishtwar; 139 Cases Settled, ₹3.05 Crore Awarded to Claimants

Kishtwar, September 12, 2026

In pursuance of the activities as per the calendar of the National Legal Services Authority and under the directions of the J&K Legal Services Authority, the 3rd National Lok Adalat was organized on today in District Kishtwar by the District Legal Services Authority, Kishtwar.

In the said 3rd National Lok Adalat, Criminal Compoundable Cases, Matrimonial Cases, matters related to Maintenance, Civil Cases, Recovery Cases, Labour Disputes, MACT Cases, Pre-Litigation Cases and other cases were taken up before 04 Benches, which were constituted for the said purpose.

The First Bench consisted of Mr. Sudhir Kumar Khajuria, Hon'ble Principal District & Sessions Judge, Kishtwar, and Mr. Karan Bijyal, Hon'ble Munsiff/JMIC, Kishtwar.

The Second Bench consisted of Mr. Deputy Kumar, Hon'ble Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kishtwar, and Ms. Deepika Sharma, Additional Special Mobile Magistrate, Kishtwar.

The Third Bench consisted of Ms. Meera Bangotra, Secretary, DLSA Kishtwar, and Mr. Sandeep Kumar, Assistant LADC, Kishtwar.

The Fourth Bench consisted of Mr. Sh. Mohd. Idrees Lone (JKAS), ACR, Kishtwar, and Mr. Sanveer Singh, Assistant LADC, Kishtwar.

A total of 173 cases were taken up during the 3rd National Lok Adalat, out of which 139 cases of different nature were settled.

A total amount to the tune of Rs. 3,05,51,000/- was awarded to the claimants in MACT Cases, Bank Recovery Cases, Labour Disputes and other cases.

12/09/2026

09/09/2026

DLSA Kishtwar, under the guidance of Mr Sudhir Kumar Khajuria, Principal District & Sessions Judge/Chairman, DLSA Kishtwar, and under the supervision of Ms. Meera Bangotra,Secretary, DLSA Kishtwar, is organizing the 3rd National Lok Adalat on 12th of September 2026.

Venue: District Court Complex, Kishtwar

📅 12th September 2026
⏰ 10:00AM onwards

Nalsa India High Court Legal Services Committee Jammu/Srinagar High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh Supreme Court of India

09/09/2026

3rd National Lok Adalat for the Year,2026.

05/09/2026

The Legal Aid Defence Counsel Team, District Kishtwar, headed by Mr. Naveed Khurshid (Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel, Kishtwar), comprising Mr. Mohd. Azhar, (Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel, Kishtwar), Mr. Mohd. Jalil Waza (Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel, KIshtwar), Mr. Sanveer Singh, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, Ms. Iram Sabha, Ms. Farhat Nabi, Mr. Viney Kumar and Ms. Afshan Malik (Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsels, Kishtwar), held an interaction with the accused persons and their family members who had been provided legal assistance under the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System.

The interaction was held in connection with FIR No. 128/2018, decided by the Hon’ble Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kishtwar, on 24.08.2026; FIR No. 134/2018, decided by the Hon’ble Additional Special Mobile Magistrate, Kishtwar, on 05.08.2026; and FIR No. 230/2018, decided by the Hon’ble Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kishtwar, on 24.08.2026. In all the aforesaid matters, the Hon’ble Courts were pleased to acquit the accused persons after the cases were effectively contested by the Legal Aid Defence Counsels.

During the interaction, copies of the respective judgments were also handed over to the concerned persons. The accused persons and their family members shared their experiences and expressed their appreciation for the legal assistance extended to them throughout the proceedings.

The interaction provided a meaningful opportunity for the Legal Aid Defence Counsel Team to listen to the experiences of the beneficiaries and understand the impact of effective legal representation on their lives. It also reaffirmed the commitment of the Legal Aid Defence Counsel Team towards ensuring effective, competent and accessible legal representation to persons who are unable to afford legal services, thereby strengthening the constitutional promise of access to justice for all.

24/08/2026

Today on 24/08/2026.
The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Kishtwar, conducted an awareness programme on “Road Safety and Safe Driving Practices” at the Main Bus Stand, Kishtwar, for the "Drivers Association".
During the programme, PLV Bilal Ahmad gives awarenesss and participants were made aware about the importance of following traffic rules, safe driving practices, speed limits, use of helmets and seat belts, avoiding mobile phone use while driving, and taking necessary precautions to prevent road accidents. The drivers were also sensitized about their responsibility towards the safety of passengers, pedestrians and other road users.
The awareness programme was conducted by PLVs Bilal Ahmad, Muzaffer Farooq, Uzma Tabassum, Swati Rana, Sonam Sharma, Rafiah Javed, Safoora Kousar, Ifroza Banoo , Komal Badyal , and Inderjeet Singh , who actively interacted with the drivers and emphasized the importance of responsible and disciplined driving.

23/08/2026

District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Kishtwar, conducted an awareness programme regarding the NALSA Helpline (15100) at Atholi, Paddar, with the objective of sensitising the general public about the availability of free legal services and assistance.
The awareness programme was conducted by Sh. Sanveer Singh, Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel, Kishtwar, and Sh. Sandeep Kumar, Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel, Kishtwar, along with Para-Legal Volunteers (PLVs) Rashi Devi and Skinder Singh.
During the programme, the general masses were informed about the NALSA Helpline No. 15100, through which eligible persons can seek information and assistance regarding free legal aid, legal advice and other services provided under the legal services framework. The participants were also apprised of the role of the Legal Services Authorities in ensuring access to justice, particularly for persons belonging to weaker and disadvantaged sections of society.
The team interacted with the local residents and encouraged them to approach the District Legal Services Authority, Kishtwar, or call the NALSA Helpline whenever they require legal assistance.
The programme witnessed active participation and interaction from the local residents, reflecting the commitment of DLSA Kishtwar towards taking legal awareness and access-to-justice initiatives to the grassroots level.