 Kathua, under the leadership of Chairman Jatinder Singh Jamwal (Principal District and Sessions Judge), organized a legal literacy programme){kind=link}
April 27:
The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Kathua, under the leadership of Chairman Jatinder Singh Jamwal (Principal District and Sessions Judge), organized a legal literacy programme at Government Girls Higher Secondary School today. The initiative, conducted under the aegis of the National and J&K Legal Services Authorities, focused on raising awareness about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
The programme began with Saraswati Vandhana performed by Diksha Balotra of Class 12th. Secretary DLSA, Mrs. Kamiya Singh Andotra, highlighted the significance of the POCSO Act’s gender-neutral approach and the child-friendly procedures it ensures, emphasizing the importance of timely FIR registration, medical examinations, and in-camera trials to safeguard the identity of child victims.
Principal Magistrate JJB Kathua, Mrs. Cheena Sumbria, stressed the need for balancing justice with empathy and focusing on the rehabilitation of juveniles rather than mere punishment. Chairperson CWC Kathua, Shashi Paul, elaborated on the Child Welfare Committee’s pivotal role in securing immediate support and rehabilitation for children in distress.
Advocates Naiya Sharma, Puneet Kumari, and Sumit Jasrotia also addressed the gathering, sharing insights on compassionate justice under these critical laws.
Over 400 students and staff members attended the session, which featured poetry, speeches, and a Nukad Natak by students, making the programme both informative and engaging. Principal Mangal Singh concluded the event with a vote of thanks.