Principal District Judge and Chairman of the District Legal Services Authority (DALSA), Anil Kumar Mishra, conducted a thorough inspection of the Ghaghidih Central Jail, the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), and the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB). Accompanying him were Additional Sessions Judge Bimalesh Kumar Sahay, Chief Judicial Magistrate Vishal Gaurav, and DALSA Secretary Rajendra Prasad. The inspection aimed to evaluate the functioning of these institutions and ensure the delivery of justice and welfare services.

During his visit to the Juvenile Justice Board, Judge Mishra emphasized the importance of legal representation for juveniles. He directed the JJB officials to ensure that children without legal counsel are assigned lawyers through DALSA. Highlighting the urgency of pending cases, he instructed officials to expedite the process of filling bail bonds for children granted bail. For juveniles unable to furnish bail bonds, he urged the authorities to file modification petitions promptly and focus on the swift resolution of minor cases.

At the Child Welfare Committee, Judge Mishra distributed warm clothes among the children. These were provided by DALSA in collaboration with the Lakshya Foundation, showcasing a commitment to the welfare of children under institutional care. The Principal District Judge reaffirmed the importance of providing essential resources and ensuring a nurturing environment for vulnerable children.

The inspection at Ghaghidih Central Jail focused on addressing the legal needs of inmates. Judge Mishra instructed the authorities to ensure that prisoners without legal representation are assigned lawyers through DALSA upon submission of an application. He also stressed the need for timely filing of appeals for inmates whose appeals were pending. Additionally, he directed the smooth operation of the Jail Legal Aid Clinic to facilitate inmates’ access to justice.

Judge Mishra further instructed the Jail Superintendent to submit applications under Section 479 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) without delay. This provision, which deals with addressing cases involving habitual offenders, is critical to ensuring timely judicial review.

The surprise inspection reflects DALSA’s commitment to improving access to legal aid and ensuring the welfare of vulnerable groups, including juveniles and prisoners. It highlights the proactive role of the judiciary in addressing systemic gaps and fostering accountability within institutions.

The Principal District Judge’s directives underscore the importance of collaborative efforts between judicial authorities and welfare organizations to ensure that justice reaches every corner of society. This inspection also serves as a reminder of the judiciary’s dedication to upholding the rights of children and prisoners.

The visit concluded with actionable directives aimed at improving the overall efficiency and welfare standards within the inspected institutions.