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2018
2 Visits to Yerwada Central Prison under Prison Advocacy Program: Students of SLS Pune visited the Yerwada Central Prison two times under the Prison Advocacy Program
Visit 1: 13/01/2018
41 inmates were interview by Kshitij Asthana, Vasu Jain, Nishin Shrikhande, Navya Agnihotri, Saniya Shinde, Salil Joshi, Himani Sabharwal.
Visit 2: 27/01/2018
14 inmates were interview by shitij Asthana, Vasu Jain, Chetan Garg, Anuttam, Mayank Takawane, Navya Agnihotri, Saniya Shinde, Salil Joshi, Himani Sabharwa.
Date: 28 January 2018
Pune District Legal Services Authority (PDLSA) held the Maha Yojana Shibir (Mega Scheme Camp) for providing information, availability of scheme application, issuing necessary documents and submission of applications to respective departments of the Govt of Maharashtra as well as the different departments of the Central Govt . SLSP students assisted PDLSA in this activity.
Participants: 4 students, 1 faculty, 1 attendant
2018
1. Prison Advocacy Program:
Students of SLS Pune visited the Yerwada Central Prison under the Prison Advocacy Program on 10th february 2018 and intervied 42 candidates.
Students visiting male prison:
Vasu Jain, Chetan Garg, Kshitij Asthan, Anuttam, Mayank Takawane
Students visiting female prison:
Rashi Mehta, Saniya Shinde, Salil Joshi, Himani Sabharwal
2. National Lok Adalat (10th Feb 2018)
Under the guidance of Prof. Shirish Kulkarni & Prof. Chaitraly Deshmukh 30 students from the 1st and 2nd Year of 3 Year LL. B course and 20 students from the diploma programme of Arbitration visited and volunteered at the National Lok Adalat held by Pune District legal Services Authority on the 10th of February, 2018. Students had a n interactive session with few judges and began their work. They helped set up and man 3 desks in the premises and assisted people with finding courtrooms, etc. Students took turns and visited the courtrooms to observe the proceedings as well. The students also had a very good interactive session with the Hon. Principal District Judge Mr. Shriram Modak as well as the Secretary of the Pune District Legal Services Authority Mr. Pradeep Asthurkar.
2018
Prison Advocacy Program:
The following students visited Yerwada Central Jail under the Prison Advocacy Programme on 10th March 2018 and interviewed the inmates:
Polish Students visit to Legal Aid Clinic:
Students from University of Gdansk, Poland visited the Legal Aid clinic of SLSP on 28th march, 2018 to understand its functioning and the work done here. This visit was coordinated by Prof. Shirish Kulkarni and students of the CLCC
2018
1. National Lok Adalat:
On 14 July, 2018, the students of 1st year LLB (3 year law course) visited Lok Adalat the Pune District and Sessions Court from 9.00 am on wards.
2. Jail inmates health check up:
SLSP in collaboration with SCOPE condycted a health check up for the inmates at Yerwada Central jail on 14th July, 2018. Student volunteers from SLSP assisted doctors to during the day. The health check up 157 inmates was completed on that day.
2018
The students of 5th year BA/BBA LLb Hons and 3rd year LLB vitied and volunteered at the National Lok Adalat held on 8th September 2018. A briefing was conducted for the student by Mr. Sudhir Kale (chairman of Permanent Lok Adalat and former judge of district court) and Adv. Rishikesh Ganu . Three help desks were set up by the students of SLS, Pune in the court premises to help people find the respective chambers allotted to them. Students also observed court proceedings.
2018
2019
Students of First Year LLB visited SOFOSH (Society of Friends of Sassoon Hospital) on 23rd January 2019. During visit Ms. Sharmila, a senior administrator had discussed various
provisions of CARA guidelines issued under The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2017. With that she also discussed with students practical difficulties they are facing at the time of implementing the CARA guidelines. After the presentation of Ms.
Sharmila, Prof. Yogesh Dharangutti had given a comparative analysis of the provisions of Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act 1956 and CARA. Students also got the chance to have a look on various documents made for the purpose of adoption for admission of children in SOFOSH.
2019
Students of BA/BBA LLB and LLB 3 years programme visited the PDLSA (Pune District Legal Services Authority Office and observed court proceedings of the Permanent Lok Adalat on 2nd, 4th and 11th February 2019.
2019
Students of 2nd year BA/BBA LLB Hons programme visited SOFOSH on 11th march 2019. A brief session was conducted for them about adoption, CARA Guidelins and HAMA Guidelines. They could also witness the adoption of a baby girl on that day.
Students of Diploma in Arbitration, Conciliation and Alternate Dispute Resolution were taken to visit and observe the court proceedings during the Permanent Lok Adalat held on 17th March 2019.
2019
A Participatory Training Programme on Legal and Financial Literacy was conducted in collaboration with ANK- I on 30th April 2019 at asturba Hall, Agakhan Palace, Viman Nagar, Pune. Sessions were conducted for underprivileged women on the following topics:
2019
On 30th May 2019, SLS P team under CLCC, conducted training sessions at Kasturba Hall, Agakhan Palace on Women Empowerment in association with Astha No Kai ( ANK).
Dr. Shashikala Guppur, Director, SLS Pune conducted interactive session on Gender Justice for 1.5 Hours. Prof. Sunishta Moghe conducted session on POSCO, 2014 for one hour and Adv. Latika Salgaonkar on various women related legislation for one hour.
2019
Symbiosis Legal Aid clinic at Sus Gaon was inaugurated on 15th June 2019. This event was conducted in collaboration with Symbiosis Community Outreach Programme and Extension (SCOPE) and Sus Gram Panchayat. The inauguration was followed by a legal awareness programme for the villagers.
2019
A grand Legal Awareness programme was conducted by the students and faculty memebers of SLS Pune on 28th August 2019. Under this programme teams of students and faculty mebers visited 15 different rural schools in Vadgaon Maval area and conducted gender sensitisation and legal awareness programs.
2019
The students of 5th year BA/BBA LLB Hons course volunteered as panel members at the Lok Adalat held by the PDLSA on 14th September 2019
2019
Students of 5th year BA/BBA LLb Hons and 3rd LLB attended the proceeding of a special Lok Adalat conducted on 2nd October 2019 on the occasion of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Students got to observe court proceedings and see how disputes are resolved through Lok Adalat.
2019
The Students and Faculty members of Symbiosis Law School Pune participated in the National Lok Adalat held on 14th Dec 2019 by the Pune District legal Services Authority. The faculty members, Dr. Atmaram Shelke, Dr. Girish Abhyankar, Dr. Santosh Aghav, Dr. Ashish Deshpande, Prof.Shirish Kulkarni, Prof. Abhijeet Vasmatkar, Prof. Raj Varma, Prof Aditi Mane, Prof. Ashutosh Panchbhai and Prof. Chaitraly Deshmukh aided the District Legal Services Authority as panellists in providing access to justice. The panel of a Lok Adalat consists of a sitting or a retired judge, a lawyer and a social activist, the Hon?"ble Member Secretary, Mr. Chetan Bhagwat and other associates of the District Legal Services Authority assigned the faculties their respective panel numbers based on the area of their specialisation. Students of SLS, Pune manned the Symbiosis Help Desk for the National Lok Adalat
2020
Consultation was conducted with client Mr. SC regarding his property (land) case on 18th and 25th January 2020. Adv. Sangramjit Chavan of CLCC, SLS Pune is handling the case for the Sus Gaon Legal Aid Clinic
2020
Two students along with faculty members of SLS Pune visited Sus village and the legal clinic in Sus village on 1st Feb 2020 to undertake on going legal aid activities.
Two students along with Prof. Pallavi Pathare visited the Yerwada Female prison on 1st Feb 2020 to undertake on going legal aid activities.
2020
The CLCL Cell of Symbiosis Law School, Pune collaborated with the Bandhutva Group and facilitated the distribution of grains, as well as medical equipment such as sanitizer, masks etc, to the migrant workers. In addition, cash was also donated to the group. This was done to fulfil the SDG 17, in collaboration with NGOs.
The pandemic had left multiple migrant workers stranded, and without jobs. In such a situation, they were in dire need of food supplies, as well as other essential items. These workers belonged to Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Beed and Nepal. They were employed to work in Dhayri, Pune. The CLCL Cell of Symbiosis Law School, Pune, collaborated with DLSA to donate the essential items to six migrant workers in need. This was in furtherance of SDG 17, that is the Partnership for goals. This was done through Collaboration with NGOs.
2020
The Cell had conducted this programme in the District of Satara on the 7th of August 2020 for the purpose of providing legal aid to the needy under the guidance of Advocate Sangramjeet Chavan. The program involved interaction with the underprivileged and identification of legal issues for providing legal aid.
The Cell had provided the students at Symbiosis Law School, Pune the opportunity to intern under the Joint Commissioner Office of Pune at the Office of Charity Commissioner, engaging in social and legal service. The selected students, under the able guidance of Dr. Rupal Rautdesai Ma’am and Professor Shirish Kulkarni sir, volunteered to work for 2 hours every day after their respective classes under 3 different departments in the office. The work mostly required record keeping, accounting and clerical arrangement and classification of files received by the office. 25 students were provided the opportunity to intern with the Charity Commissioner.
Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation (KSCF DL/2017/0166692) founded by Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi is a leader in child protection and child development. KSFC envisions a world free of violence against children and works on an array of issues that affect vulnerable children and their families.
Community Legal Care and Literacy Cell used their partnership with other NGOs to raise funds where the NGOs were requested to donate. The Cell had assisted the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation in raising a fundraiser for accumulating additional funds (₹1,14,001 /-), to be used for the benefit of the children (Bachpan Bachao Andolan).
2020
In collaboration with Pune based NGO Ashtanukay, the Cell had assisted in educating 25 women about their legal and social rights in various regional languages for a wider reach; making the programme a resounding success.
A total of three webinar lectures were presided over by Mr Sunil Chauhan, Director of the National Legal Services Authority of India. The Two of such webinars were for the 5th Year BA and BBA LLB Students, aimed at teaching the Legal Services Act, the Legal Clinic Programmes carried out and the importance of the Lok Adalat.
The third webinar was conducted on 25/9/2020, exclusively for the members of the Cell along with the assistance of Mr. Alok Aggarwal, Advisor of the National Legal Services Authority of India. The subject matter covered the importance of evidence-based policies, collaboration between Legal Aid Authorities and Law Colleges etc.
The webinar ensures a synergy between the authorities and students, providing for assistance with legal aid clinic and a holistic learning experience for the students.
The Cell had organised a book distribution drive that involved donations of law books and material for law colleges such as VN Patil Law College, Aurangabad, to ensure that there was availability of books in underequipped libraries.
The Cell spearheaded a sanitation drive project which was funded by the Divine Jain Trust. The drive was organised in four schools that specialised in educating children with hearing and speech impediment under the Suhrud Trust (Unique Registration ID 'MH/2017/0176981').
2020
Synapse Labs Company Pvt. Ltd., Pune (Registration Number 129504), is a leading, independent Contract Research Organization (CRO) founded in 2007. Synapse Lab Private Limited sponsored the expenditure to the tune of ₹2 Lakhs, which was incurred in distributing dry ration. Considering the plight of the housekeeping and security staff of Symbiosis Law School, Pune, he Cell organized this drive on the 14th of October under which the staff received essentials like ration items, masks, sanitizers etc. which was sponsored by Synapse Labs Private Ltd. The Cell also collaborated with Synapse Lab Private Limited for encashing its Corporate Social Responsibility, which aims to contribute to societal goals of a philanthropic, activist, or charitable nature by engaging in or supporting volunteering or ethically-oriented practices.
Symbiosis Law School Pune was tasked by the Ministry of Home Affairs for conducting primary research to recognise lacunae Criminal Justice System in India and provide effective solutions. The programme entailed the conduct of an online round table conference with luminaries’ personalities consisting of the likes of Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam and Advocate Satish Maneshinde to make their recommendations on the recognised lacunae.
A comprehensive consolidated report was prepared by the members of the cell covering all the recognised issues and the deliberations that followed. These reports were then scrutinized by the professors and have been sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
2020
After the recruitment process for the Cell for the Academic Year 2020-2021 was declared complete, the Cell conducted a formal orientation for the Cell Members in which the Cell Members were briefed with the objective and the activities of the Cell.
Assistant Professor Rupal Rautdesai presided over the orientation.
The second half was an Interactive Session which was presided over by Advocate Sangramjeet Chavan under which an introduction to the nuances and general idea of Client Counselling was given to the new members.
2021
The faculty members of the Community Legal Care and Literacy Cell was approached by daughter of Late Professor Vivek Kashinath, Ms Yogita Kulkarni for obtaining her father’s death certificate. The Community Legal Care and Literacy Cell assisted in getting death certificate.
The faculty members of Community Legal Care and Literacy Cell came across with a maintenance staff of Symbiosis Law School, Pune who lost her husband due to certain circumstances few months back.
She told us that her daughter has done B.Sc. in Computers and is looking for a job to financially support their family. Keeping in mind the fact that ongoing Covid-19 crisis has forced educational institutes and other organizations to make a shift to computers and use online platforms, we suggested her to apply for the position of coordinator in Symbiosis Law School, Pune. We also helped her in drafting her job application letter and forwarding it to concerned authorities.
2021
The faculty members of Community Legal Care and Literacy Cell came across with Rahul Namdeo, a maintenance worker of Symbiosis Law School, Pune who lost his mother Santar Devi on 11th December, 2020. He alleged that his mother was fine earlier but she lost her life after taking medicines prescribed by a doctor in Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh. He requested us to look into this case and help him in taking action against the doctor if he has prescribed wrong medicines. We asked him for all the necessary documents and reports relating to the matter. He didn’t had post mortem report so we suggested him to collect the same.
After analysing all the documents and also cross checking the medical reports with a medical expert, we found out that the condition of Mrs. Santar Devi was actually very critical and medicines prescribed by the doctor were not wrong and life-threatening. In between this, Rahul collected the post-mortem report of his mother in which it was stated that the heavy loss of blood and extreme anaemia. This gave a clear picture to us and we explained the same position to him.
There are various socio-legal issues in the society which needs to be addressed through various ways including articles, policy papers, documentaries, films etc. Keeping this view in mind, Symbiosis Law School, Pune through its Community Legal Care and Literacy Cell has been participating in Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam International Socio-Legal Film Making Competition from past many years.
In the year 2017 and 2020, we have also secured first position in this competition. In order to keep up this legacy of our cell, we have participated in this competition this year as well and secured 3rd position.
2021
Dr. (Prof) M R K Prasad is Vanderbilt-Fulbright Scholar, and the Principal of VM Salgaocar College of Law, Goa. On 26th March, 2021, Dr. Prasad conducted a webinar for the students of Symbiosis Law School, Pune, as a part of the legal practice course to educate the members of the Community Legal Care and Literacy Cell (CLCL), about the prospects of legal aid in the country.
He placed emphasis on the aim of professional education, and the importance of socially relevant legal education. Further he answered the importance and need of legal aid in the country.
Sir also emphasised on the problems associated with legal aid. The webinar was concluded by emphasis on the way forward which included training programs, identification of potential law schools for setting up clinics, developing networks and sharing practices, and creating websites to share concerns and experiences. If these solutions are inculcated, they would a long way in promoting legal aid in the country.
2021
The highly enriching session titled as the “One Day Law and Policy Round Table Discussion on Delayed Justice to Prisoners in India: Issues and Challenges” was hosted by Symbiosis Law School Pune on 8th May, 2021 in furtherance of its work in the Yerwada Prison and initiatives by Hon’ble Chancellor Dr. S.B. Mujumdar Sir. The panel discussion gains greater relevance and necessity in light of the multiple problems plaguing the jail systems, varying from improper categorization of cases to lack of documentation between courts and jails. The roundtable discussed the problems faced by inmates in Indian prisons and made recommendations in the form of an outcome document.
2021
In the wake of fighting against the Covid 19 virus and strengthening one’s immunity, vaccination drives are being conducted pan India to ensure that all citizens are vaccinated. However, the underprivileged strata of the society are facing difficulties in getting themselves vaccinated. As a bright ray of hope for them, there are various generous beings who are donating towards the cause of vaccination.
On 25th June, 2021, Symbiosis Law School Pune had conducted a vaccination drive wherein the maintenance and security staff of SLS Pune. For this noble cause, the college received the funding from Mr. Vishal Dhawal, Director at Synapse Pvt. Ltd who had contributed ₹25,000. The drive was extremely successful and in total, 30 members of the maintenance and security staff of SLS Pune were vaccinated. For his generous contribution to this noble and humanitarian cause, we express our profound gratitude to Mr. Vishal Dhawan.
In these surging times of difficulty during the pandemic, the Fundamental Right to Health has always been highlighted and it is the Fundamental Duty of the citizens of India to help out one another. This drive not only forms a part of that Fundamental Duty, but also reimposes our strong belief in our motto: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
2021
In the last week of July 2021, Sakal reporter Mr. Vithhal informed Prof. Shirish Kulkarni of the medical requirement for an elderly person residing in Pune. The name of the concerned person is Mr. Deepak Kaluram Pawar who is suffering from High Blood Pressure, Diabetes and Diabetic Glaucoma since the past 10 years and adverse financial conditions had made it difficult for him to arrange for his medicine. The medicines for the month of August – September 2021 were provided to Mr. Tushar Pawar on 6 th August 2021 and the medicines for the month of September – October were provided to Mr. Tushar Pawar on 3rd September 2021. Free ration was also arranged for the family of Mr. Deepak Kaluram Pawar.
2021
The Community Legal Care and Literacy Cell assisted the Pune District Legal Services Authority in successfully organising the National Lok Adalat on 1st August 2021. The CLCL Cell also worked in collaboration with the PDLSA for ‘Access to Justice’ Lok Adalat-Representation of the Third Gender and a Legal Awareness Campaign for the National Lok Adalat. Certain faculty members and students of Symbiosis Law School, Pune served as assistant panellists, helping in the resolution of cases. Students also provided assistance at the help desks, guiding people to their respective court rooms and panels. The Cell also facilitated the sanitization of the Court Premises in association with the Divine Jain Trust Group and the Crisis Management Committee of the Symbiosis Law School, Pune.
In these distressing times of the pandemic, several citizens are apprehensive of attending any public gatherings, conferences, and events. However, the Sanitization Drive which was the brainchild of Professor Shirish Kulkarni and along with the help of Divine Jain Trust (TRUST-001602), a full-fledged sanitization drive was conducted in the premises of the Shivajinagar District Court campus. As a part of the program, the courtrooms, the corridors, and the cars of the judges were fully sanitized. Once properly sanitized, the reservations which the participants had in mind were reduced and it also ensured maximum level hygiene
Alongside the Bhoi Foundation, Symbiosis Law School, Pune was involved in providing medical aid, dry rations, and other essentials to those affected by the floods in the Chiplun and Konkan regions. SLSP referred Adv. Chaitraly Deshmukh to help overcome this crisis, who aided in compiling a list of 65 people with a genuine need for the above- mentioned amenities. Additionally, also aided in distributing sanitary products to women and providing educational facilities to the children.
2021
The Community Legal Care and Literacy Cell assisted the Pune District Legal Services Authority in successfully organising the National Lok Adalat on 25th September 2021. Under the Lok Adalat, Symbiosis Law School, Pune helped Disha Dahare contact Adv. Chaitraly Deshmukh, who helped re-establish her catering business and design a logo for it. During the Lok Adalat, 38 food packets were ordered from Annapurna caterers to uplift Disha Dahare’s catering services financially and morally. Lok Adalat focused on the inclusion of the third gender and the representation of transgenders as the Assistant Panel Judge by appointing Ms. Prerna Waghela.
CLCL Cell, Symbiosis Law School, Pune tied up with Sai Services provider, who provided 4 maintenance women workers to facilitate the cleaning of the toilets and maintenance of hygiene during Lok Adalat.
2021
The Community Legal Care and Literacy Cell of Symbiosis Law School, Pune conducted a lecture on the Legal Rights of Mentally Ill and Mentally Disabled People on 10th October 2021 in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority, Pune, under NALSA’s ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ initiative. The event was conducted at the Regional Mental Hospital in Yerawada, Pune and was attended by psychiatric doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff.
During the inaugural ceremony, on 13th October 2021, the members from the CLCL Cell along with PDLSA authorities attended the same and discussed about the trans-gender rights along with interacting with the people from the community. This was in collaboration with Nirbhaya Anandi Organisation that works for the betterment of the LGBTQI community. The event was concluded at the Samarth Police Station where the legal officers were also made aware about the rights of the trans community.
A workshop organised by the Vashi District Legal Services Authority on the Victim Compensation Scheme, in furtherace of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, was presided over by the President of the VDLSA and Dr. Ashish Deshpande, Faculty-in-Charge of the Community Legal Care and Literacy Cell, Symbiosis Law School, Pune. It was conducted to spread awareness of the offenses under the Indian Penal Code and the need for introducing changes.
2021
An awareness drive about the programs of Pan India initiative was conducted around Deccan Gymkhana near the vicinity of the slum area so that people could be made aware about these programs and how they are beneficial for them. This drive was conducted on November 9 which is considered as National Legal Service Authorities Day. On such occasion a team of officials from District Legal Service Authorities, Pune with law students and faculty Dr Shirish Kulkarni and Chaitraly Deshmukh-Tajane was part of creating awareness drive in city and slum areas where we distribute pamphlets, citizen issues were discussed and grievances were heard.
The Community Legal Care and Literacy Cell of Symbiosis Law School, Pune, to commemorate 25 years of NALSA’s inception and as a part of the PAN India Legal Awareness and Outreach Campaign under “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” conducted a Book Donation Drive on the 11th November 2021. A total of 400+ books were donated to Daulatrao Jadhav Prison Officers’ Training College, Yerawada.
On the 12th and 13th of November, as a part of the PAN India Legal awareness and outreach campaign for creating awareness on the various legal schemes of NALSA, a pamphlet distribution drive was held at Mulshi Taluka with our NGO Partner Bandhutwa group & Divine Jain Trust. These pamphlets covered important social issues such as Raging, Domestic Violence, Lok Adalat, and Mediation in the Marathi language and were distributed in Mulshi Taluka and Viman Nagar regions.
On 13th November 2021, VN Patil Law College, Aurangabad in collaboration with the CLCL Cell of Symbiosis Law School, Pune and District Legal Services Authority, Aurangabad organized an Online Guest Lecture on "The Various Schemes of the National Legal Service Authority." The faculty members and students acted as resource persons to speak on various schemes relating to NALSA.
On 2nd of October 2021, the Pan India Legal Awareness and Outreach Campaign, which is part of the "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" commemorating 75 years of India's independence and 25 years of NALSA's foundation, began. The Community Legal Care and Literacy Cell of Symbiosis Law School, Pune had organised various events in partnership with NALSA and DLSA, Pune. The event's closing ceremony took place in the SCMS auditorium on November 14, 2021.
2021
The Community Legal Care and Literacy Cell assisted the Pune District Legal Services Authority in successfully organising the National Lok Adalat on 11th December 2021. The CLCL Cell also worked in collaboration with the PDLSA for ‘Access to Justice’ Lok Adalat-Representation of the Third Gender and a Legal Awareness Campaign for the National Lok Adalat. Certain faculty members and students of Symbiosis Law School, Pune served as assistant panellists, helping in the resolution of cases. Students also provided assistance at the help desks, guiding people to their respective court rooms and panels. The Cell also facilitated the appointment of Prof. Suvrata Raut, MNLU Aurangabad, a member of the Scheduled Tribe Community as an Assistant Panel Judge in the National Lok Adalat.
2022
Students from the Community Legal Care and Literacy Cell of Symbiosis Law School, Pune assisted the Pune District Legal Services Authority in implementation of the Manodhairya Scheme which was introduced in Maharashtra by the Department of Women and Child Development to assist in rehabilitation and financial assistance for victims of child sexual assault, rape, and acid attacks.
From January to March of 2022, Mr. Abhijit Chandrakant Raundale, Member of the Permanent Lok Adalat Pune was assisted by undergraduate law students Ms. Gaurangi Pande and Ms. Aarya Karande under the guidance of SLS, Pune professors Dr. Shirish Kulkarni, Adv. Sangramjit Chawan, and Adv. Chaitraly Deshmukh. The nature of work included record keeping, data collection, interacting with victims and disbursing the rehabilitation compensation.
Over the three months, An amount of Rs. 49,20,000 was disbursed for victim compensation and rehabilitation, including 16 victims. In light of the steadily increasing applications under the Scheme, this collaboration was symbiotic as it facilitated and aided the workload of the Pune DLSA, led to enriching learning outcomes for the CLCL Cell, and expedited the application process and benefiting the victims.
2022
Symbiosis Law School, Pune assisted the Pune District Legal Services Authority in conducting the National Lok Adalat on 12th March 2022. The students of the institution were thoroughly engaged in the event.
A lecture to understand the importance of the National Legal Service Authorities Act, 1987 was hosted at Shankarrao Chavan Law College enabled by the Maratha Mitra Mandal by Dr. Shirish Kulkarni, Faculty-in-Charge of the Community Legal Care and Literacy Cell, and Ms. Asha Singh, Convenor of the Community Legal Care and Literacy Cell.
The question of what is legal aid, the relevant sections in national and international legislation that make legal aid possible, and the objectives of NALSA were discussed in the lecture. Light was also shed upon the requirements needed to be met for a person to receive legal aid and landmark cases which were stepping stones in the development of legal service.
2022
Community Legal Care and Literacy (CLCL) Cell and Pro Bono Club of Symbiosis Law School, Pune in collaboration with Pune District Legal Service Authority (DLSA) and Nyay Bandhu Department of Justice organized a stall at Symbhav 2022 on the 8th, 9th, and 10th of April, 2022 to spread awareness about Legal Aid Services and the right to access justice guaranteed under Articles 14, 21, and 39A of the Indian Constitution as per which the State shall secure the operation of the legal system by promoting justice, on a basis of equal opportunity to provide free legal aid, by suitable legislation or schemes. Focusing on the underprivileged sections of the society, the Community Legal Care and Literacy Cell volunteers made sure to dissipate information in vernacular languages as well. At the Stall, we had descriptive Banners and Live Screens to visually disseminate the information pertaining to legal aid and legal services as a matter of right as enshrined under the Legal Services Authority Act, 1987.
The Community Legal Care and Literacy Cell, in collaboration with the Animal Liberation Committee of the EcoCon Cell, came up with several initiatives to raise funds for the vaccination and sterilization of at least 30 street dogs in and around Pune during the three days of the college fest ‘Symbhav’ in consultation with the Pune Municipal Corporation. The initiatives included a Photobooth at Symbhav, a thrift store, and a direct donation drive, where donations of above Rs. 100 were eligible to enter a lucky draw. The monetary goals of the fundraiser were decided based on quotes given by Dr. Utkarsh Rajhans of Fauna Healthcare, Koregaon Park. A fund of over Rs. 36,000/- was raised through the aforementioned initiatives.
On the 13th of April, 2022, Mrs. Geetanjali Chauhan, aged about 64 years, residing at 14/B-4A Adimaa, Boat Club Road, Next to German Institution, Pune, Pune City, Maharashtra, 411001, approached the Community Legal Care and Literacy Cell and the Pro Bono Club of Symbiosis Law School, Pune seeking help in finding a suitable old age home and assistance in other legal matters. The CLCL Cell and the Pro Bono Club working under the guidance and leadership of Dr. Shashikala Gurpur, Ex-Officio Chairperson, CLCL Cell & Pro Bono Club and Dr. Shirish D. Kulkarni, Faculty In-Charge of CLCL Cell & Pro Bono Club of SLS Pune, undertook the case on a pro bono basis and the CLCL Team identified a suitable place named Bhormalnath Mandir, Chaufula, located in Khedgaon on the Solapur Highway which is being maintained under the care of Shri Abba Saheb Shelar for the purpose of shifting Mrs. Geetanjali Chauhan.
After seeking Mrs. Chauhan’s approval, on 15th May, 2022, a few members of the CLCL Cell accompanied Mrs. Chauhan to the identified location so as to help her settle herself in the room and also to facilitate the process of shifting her luggage. Subsequently, Mrs. Geetanjali Madam expressed her gratitude to Dr. Shashikala Gurpur and Dr. Shirish D. Kulkarni for taking up her case and availing her of the remedy she desired.
2022
The Community Legal Care and Literacy (CLCL) Cell inaugurated the Pro Bono Club of Symbiosis Law School, Pune on the 4th of May 2022. The Probono Club was inaugurated by Mr. Sanjay Desmukh, Principal District Judge, Pune, and Ms. Mahima Khera, a representative of the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, who then addressed the audience with their renowned experience in the field.
The second leg of the event consisted of the Capacity Building Tranining Session for Para-legal volunteers by District Legal Services Authority, Pune (PDLSA), in collaboration with Symbiosis Law School, Pune. The Training Session commenced with the address of Mr. Pratap Sawant, Secretary, PDLSA wherein he provided a brief overview of the purpose of para-legal volunteers. The guests, Adv. Rhishikesh Ganu and Adv. Yashpal Purohit, highlighted the scope of the role of a para-legal volunteers and stressed on the importance of their duties. The hurdles faced by para-legal volunteers in facilitating access to justice was also discussed.
Symbiosis Law School, Pune played a massive role in organising the National Lok Adalat on 7th May 2022 alongside the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority at Shivajinagar Pune District Court. Additionally, 10 law students of the institute were appointed as assistant panellist judges by the DLSA, namely
The assistant panellist judges settled disputes of bank loan recovery matters, pre-filing matters, telephone and mobile bill matters and matters pending before Civil Judge Senior Division through various Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods such as conciliation, negotiation and mediation. Their performance was lauded by the Hon’ble Principal District Judge and the Hon’ble Secretary.
Symbiosis Law School, Pune organized a Youth Legal Awareness Programme at Shivaji Polytechnic College, Sangola, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority, Solapur and the Shivaji Polytechnic College, Sangola on the 12th of May, 2022. The event was graced by the presence of distinguished legal personnel such as Shri Shashikant Mokashi, Secretary, DLSA Solapur, Shri Umesh Patil, Judge, Solapur Sessions and District Court and Ms. Deshmukh, Judge, Solapur Sessions and District Court.
List of resource persons for the event are as follows:
2 Visits to Yerwada Central Prison under Prison Advocacy Program: Students of SLS Pune visited the Yerwada Central Prison two times under the Prison Advocacy Program
Visit 1: 13/01/2018
41 inmates were interview by Kshitij Asthana, Vasu Jain, Nishin Shrikhande, Navya Agnihotri, Saniya Shinde, Salil Joshi, Himani Sabharwal.
Visit 2: 27/01/2018
14 inmates were interview by shitij Asthana, Vasu Jain, Chetan Garg, Anuttam, Mayank Takawane, Navya Agnihotri, Saniya Shinde, Salil Joshi, Himani Sabharwa.
Date: 28 January 2018
Pune District Legal Services Authority (PDLSA) held the Maha Yojana Shibir (Mega Scheme Camp) for providing information, availability of scheme application, issuing necessary documents and submission of applications to respective departments of the Govt of Maharashtra as well as the different departments of the Central Govt . SLSP students assisted PDLSA in this activity.
Participants: 4 students, 1 faculty, 1 attendant
1. Prison Advocacy Program:
Students of SLS Pune visited the Yerwada Central Prison under the Prison Advocacy Program on 10th february 2018 and intervied 42 candidates.
Students visiting male prison:
Vasu Jain, Chetan Garg, Kshitij Asthan, Anuttam, Mayank Takawane
Students visiting female prison:
Rashi Mehta, Saniya Shinde, Salil Joshi, Himani Sabharwal
2. National Lok Adalat (10th Feb 2018)
Under the guidance of Prof. Shirish Kulkarni & Prof. Chaitraly Deshmukh 30 students from the 1st and 2nd Year of 3 Year LL. B course and 20 students from the diploma programme of Arbitration visited and volunteered at the National Lok Adalat held by Pune District legal Services Authority on the 10th of February, 2018. Students had a n interactive session with few judges and began their work. They helped set up and man 3 desks in the premises and assisted people with finding courtrooms, etc. Students took turns and visited the courtrooms to observe the proceedings as well. The students also had a very good interactive session with the Hon. Principal District Judge Mr. Shriram Modak as well as the Secretary of the Pune District Legal Services Authority Mr. Pradeep Asthurkar.
Prison Advocacy Program:
The following students visited Yerwada Central Jail under the Prison Advocacy Programme on 10th March 2018 and interviewed the inmates:
Polish Students visit to Legal Aid Clinic:
Students from University of Gdansk, Poland visited the Legal Aid clinic of SLSP on 28th march, 2018 to understand its functioning and the work done here. This visit was coordinated by Prof. Shirish Kulkarni and students of the CLCC
1. National Lok Adalat:
On 14 July, 2018, the students of 1st year LLB (3 year law course) visited Lok Adalat the Pune District and Sessions Court from 9.00 am on wards.
2. Jail inmates health check up:
SLSP in collaboration with SCOPE condycted a health check up for the inmates at Yerwada Central jail on 14th July, 2018. Student volunteers from SLSP assisted doctors to during the day. The health check up 157 inmates was completed on that day.
