A two-day refresher training programme for selected part-time para-legal volunteers attached to the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and Taluk Legal Services Committees began in Mysuru on Monday at Abdul Nazir Sab Hall. The programme has been organised jointly by the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority, Mysuru DLSA, the Advocates’ Association, several government departments and the Outlawed India Foundation.
Strengthening the link between communities and legal services
First Additional District and Sessions Judge Sandhya Rao P. inaugurated the refresher course, stressing that the Para-Legal Volunteer (PLV) scheme, launched by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in 2009, is being actively implemented in the district to promote legal awareness and bring free legal assistance to marginalised sections of society.
“They are not advocates but intermediaries who, after acquiring basic legal knowledge, provide social service,” Judge Sandhya Rao said.
The judge urged the volunteers to make full use of the training. She said PLVs should serve as a bridge between ordinary citizens and legal services institutions, taking justice to doorsteps and ensuring that people who cannot approach courts are guided to appropriate forums such as Lok Adalats and mediation centres.
Organisers described the refresher course as an opportunity to update volunteers on their responsibilities and sharpen their skills in identifying and responding to issues that frequently affect vulnerable groups in the district.
- Training duration: two days at Abdul Nazir Sab Hall, Mysuru.
- Participants: selected part-time para-legal volunteers attached to DLSA and Taluk Legal Services Committees.
- Organisers: Karnataka State Legal Services Authority, Mysuru DLSA, Advocates’ Association, government departments and Outlawed India Foundation.
According to the programme outline presented at the inauguration, PLVs are expected to actively create awareness among the poor, women, children, workers and members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes about their constitutional rights and government welfare schemes. They will also assist eligible persons in applying for free legal aid and promote the use of Lok Adalats and mediation centres as alternatives to protracted litigation.
| Key responsibility | Expected role |
|---|---|
| Referral to legal forums | Connect unable-to-approach-the-court persons with Lok Adalats, mediation centres and DLSA |
| Awareness generation | Inform vulnerable groups about rights and welfare schemes |
| Identifying offences | Spot cases of domestic violence, child marriage, child labour and dowry harassment and report to DLSA |
| Assistance in access | Help eligible beneficiaries apply for free legal aid and help victims access housing |
Officials said one of the primary aims of the refresher training is to ensure PLVs understand their limits: they are not substitutes for advocates but serve as intermediaries who, equipped with basic legal knowledge, can provide initial support and social service. The volunteers are expected to identify matters requiring legal intervention and refer them to the appropriate statutory bodies rather than provide legal representation themselves.
The training is also intended to familiarise PLVs with procedures and channels available in the district for dispute resolution, including Lok Adalats and mediation centres, so that volunteers can encourage settlement through these forums where suitable. By promoting alternative dispute resolution, authorities aim to reduce the burden on courts while expediting relief for litigants.
District-level organisers said the programme would include sessions on recognising vulnerable categories, application procedures for legal aid, the functioning of mediation centres and the role of Lok Adalats. Resource persons from various departments and legal bodies were scheduled to interact with volunteers over the two days.
Local legal aid initiatives in Mysuru have for years relied on a network of para-legal volunteers to extend outreach beyond court premises into communities, particularly in rural pockets and among populations with restricted mobility. The refresher programme is part of periodic efforts to keep volunteers updated on evolving legal provisions and welfare entitlements.
Officials reiterated that PLVs should promptly inform the DLSA about serious matters such as child marriage and dowry harassment to ensure timely intervention by competent authorities.
