Date: 26th November, 2020 – 25th December, 2020

Organisations Involved: (1) ADR Cell, USLLS, GGSIPU

                                             (2) Kartavyam NGO

                                             (3) MKA Legal Law Offices 

In its efforts to produce a body of sensitised, compassionate and aware law professionals, the ADR Cell of USLLS joined hands with Kartavyam (NGO) and MKA Legal (Law Firm) and launched a month-long free legal-aid drive and legal health assessment camp in Delhi-NCR. A one-of-a-kind initiative, each organisation involved played a pivotal role and brought its best services to the table. 

The aim of this drive was to provide concrete legal advice to the litigants, help them make informed decisions, enabling certain entities in accessing the justice system, and inculcate societal sensitivity in law students. The participating volunteers from the University got an exclusive opportunity to learn and practice ethical mediation and counselling. They also experienced case dealings and further got a first-hand view of the trials and tribulations that a number of people face on a daily basis in our country while accessing the judiciary. It helped them analyse the nature of legal services they would have to perform in the future and identify spaces where ADR mechanisms can be used over traditional litigation. 

Keeping in mind the Covid-19 pandemic, all the volunteers worked from home and were connected with each other and their mentors through digital communication platforms. Kartavyam provided the logistical support and they further provided a dedicated phone line and e-mail, for the public, to contact the team. The month-long exercise helped people access a spectrum of services, from legal aid consultancy to dispute resolution mechanisms. The team also came up with a free virtual legal health quiz. Extensive feedback was registered and follow-ups were conducted. 

The venture was a total success, as a number of people across Delhi-NCR accessed the services that were provided free of cost and enjoyed the benefits. The University students got a first-hand experience of how the legal system operates in the real world, immensely adding to their knowledge. It was well appreciated by all the stakeholders, and the ADR Cell plans to conduct such an exercise again in the near future.

Reported by: Ms. Angela Arora, Batch of 2025.