bridge the gap between law and society through meaningful engagement with legal aid services; Smt. Zaibunnisa, Senior Civil Judge and Member Secretary, DLSA Dakshina Kannada
Mangaluru, September 4, 2025 — Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara (SDM) Law College, Centre for Postgraduate Studies and Research in Law, Mangaluru, hosted an Orientation Programme on the Functioning of Legal Aid Cell under its Legal Aid and Extension Cell/Arbitration Centre. The initiative, organized as part of the college’s IQAC activities, aimed to strengthen awareness about the critical role of legal aid in ensuring access to justice for all.
The programme was graced by Smt. Zaibunnisa, Senior Civil Judge and Member Secretary, DLSA Dakshina Kannada, as the Guest of Honour. She emphasized the responsibility of future lawyers in bridging the gap between law and society through meaningful engagement with legal aid services. Mrs. Ashwini Suvarna, Panel Advocate, DLSA Mangaluru, also addressed the gathering, offering practical insights into the functioning of legal aid mechanisms and the impact they create on vulnerable communities.
Presiding over the event, Dr. Tharanatha, Principal of SDM Law College, highlighted the college’s commitment to nurturing socially responsible law graduates. He underlined the importance of sensitizing students to the real-world challenges faced by marginalized groups and the transformative power of legal assistance.
The programme also shed light on the nationwide network of 15,100 Legal Information Service Centres established across India, enabling citizens to seek free and reliable legal guidance. This vast network has become a cornerstone in ensuring that justice is not a privilege for the few but a right accessible to all, irrespective of social or economic status.
The event was coordinated by Dr. Shubhalakshmi P, Faculty in charge of the Legal Aid and Extension Cell, along with the organising committee comprising faculty members, student coordinators, and volunteers. Their collective efforts ensured a meaningful and engaging platform for law students to connect with the larger vision of justice delivery in the country.
By conducting such initiatives, SDM Law College continues to reaffirm its vision of shaping not just legal professionals, but responsible citizens committed to the cause of social justice.
