Partner In Nation Building: Justice Makarand Karnik Says While Inaugurating First Of Its Kind 'Legal Aid On Wheels' By Mumbai NGO
The initiative by Dard Se Humdard Tak Trust involves two vehicles which will have 2 lawyers and 2 Para Legal Volunteers which will ply in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and nearby districts.
Justice Makarand Karnik of the Bombay High Court recently inaugurated the "Legal Aid on Wheels" initiative by an NGO in Mumbai. The service aims to educate citizens, especially the underprivileged, about their fundamental rights and responsibilities under the Indian Constitution, as well as their legal rights under various laws.
The first of its kind initiative to ensure that every citizen has access to justice, the Dard Se Humdard Tak Trust has launched the "Legal Aid on Wheels" initiative in Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region on February 15, 2025.
Justice Makarand Karnik, while inaugurating the initiative at the Convocation Hall of Mumbai University said, "We are committed to making legal help accessible to everyone. This initiative, in line with the services provided by the Legal Services Authority, will now extend its reach beyond prisons to empower ordinary citizens and we should be partner in nation building".
The event was also attended by Principal District Judge, Civil and Sessions Court, Anil Subramaniam, Deputy Advocate General Praveen Faldesai and Superintendent of Mumbai Central Jail Harshad Ahirrao.
"Through this initiative, law students will be able to gain practical experience while serving society. It is a great opportunity for both students and budding lawyers to contribute to social justice while learning from the best in the field," Justice Karnik added in his address.
“It is indeed a social commitment that made me start this initiative of the Legal Aid on Wheels for our marginalized sections of the society,” said Advocate Prakash Salsingikar, the founder of the Trust.
Details of the Initiative
The Legal Aid on Wheels service will initially be rolled out in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and nearby districts with two mobile vehicles. Each vehicle will have 2 lawyers and 2 Para Legal Volunteers (law students) on board, providing legal assistance in high-need areas. An MoU has been signed with eight law colleges in Mumbai to involve students in this valuable initiative.
These vehicles will be strategically stationed in areas such as schools, colleges, slums, courts, police stations and housing societies to ensure they reach a wide range of citizens. They will provide guidance on a variety of legal issues, including domestic violence, marital disputes, human rights violations, cybercrimes, consumer grievances, guidance regarding RTI act, good touch-bad touch, ragging related guidance, police station-related concerns. Additionally, the vehicles will inform citizens about free services available under the Legal Services Authority Act and assist in online complaint filing.
The Trust has launched a helpline number 98331 10121 that people can call if they need any legal assistance or guidance.
