Poor justice seekers are getting legal aid for free in the apex court as National Legal Aid Services Organization (NLASO) of Supreme Court unit has taken up 350 cases on behalf of the people, who are unable to pay for continuing their legal battle in last one year.
“We have taken up 350 cases from total 397 applications which are for jail appeals, civil and criminal appeals, revisions, writs and leave to appeal pleas. Of the cases, 196 have been disposed so far,” said coordinator of SC legal aid committee advocate Ripon Paul Schu.
The legal aid committee official said apart from running the cases, his office has also given legal advice to 395 justice seekers.
“The committee is providing legal assistance and advice for free since its inception in September, 2015. Justice M Enayetur Rahim is working as its chairman. Its activities are gaining pace and jurisdiction is expanding with time. The committee has sent letters to prisons in different districts to develop the standard of legal aid for the inmates,” said Md Sabbir Faiz, Additional Registrar (Administration and Judicial) of High Court Division.
Faiz added the committee has requested the prisons authorities to give priority to jail appeal cases.
Meanwhile, Supreme Court Bar Association too has extended its helping hand towards the legal aid committee as it has decided to exempt the fee for Vakalanama (power of attorney).
“If a person aggrieved by any order or judgement of a lower court, decided to move to apex court whose annual average income is less than Taka 1,50, 000, can apply for legal aid from our office,” said Titas Hillol Rema, member secretary of Supreme Court Legal Aid Committee.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on National Legal Aid Services Day, which was observed on April 28, inaugurated national helpline for legal aid. Justice seekers can get legal aid for free by dialing the helpline number of 16430.
