The Legal Aid Committee in collaboration with APFJ (Association of Prisoners’ Families for Justice) conducted a meeting on 27th February 2024 to ascertain the educational needs of the children of undertrial prisoners.

The meeting commenced with an opening address of Mr. Harish, Assistant Professor and Faculty Coordinator of the Legal Aid Committee. He gave a brief introduction about the establishment and the history of the college, activities of the Legal Aid Committee, with specific reference to the past and upcoming events. Further, Mr. Nelson P. Raj, Advocate gave a brief report of the activities of the APFJ and deliberated upon the agenda of the meeting. Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Rajendra. Y.J confabulated regarding the activities of the APFJ and their collaboration with Advocates in filing/defending cases of undertrial prisoners.

In furtherance, Mrs. Chandrashri gave a brief report about the efforts initiated by the members of the APFJ in ensuring justice to the undertrial prisoners and their family members, in rem. Later on, the family members of the undertrial prisoners introduced themselves and shared/expressed their grief, difficulties, issues and challenges that they are facing in upbringing their children/grandchildren, in personam their educational needs.

Upon hearing the plight of the family members who attended this meeting, Rev. Fr. Jerald D’Souza SJ, Director of St. Joseph’s College of Law addressed the gathering and shared some valuable inputs as to how to proceed ahead by categorizing the immediate needs, dire needs and long-term needs as well as identifying the proper stakeholder who can guarantee assistance regarding the subject matter of the instant meeting.

Ms. Tejaswini, Assistant Professor and Faculty Coordinator of the Legal Aid Committee who made a note of all the dicta/statements of the family members of the undertrial prisoners, addressed them individually and went on to apprise the decision as to how the Legal Aid Committee of the SJCL in collaboration with APFJ will be of assistance to the family members of the undertrial prisoners.

Mrs. Chaitra, Advocate, while concluding the meeting, apprised the minutes of the meeting as well as reiteration of the decisions taken during the meeting and proposed the vote of thanks. Last but not the least, the students of SJCL who were present during the meeting had an opportunity to interact with the gathering and exchanged their ideas and thoughts, which enhanced their knowledge about the reality of life.