A comprehensive two-day training session has been launched in Mysuru to empower para-legal volunteers in bridging the gap between marginalized communities and the judicial system.

  • Two-day refresher training for part-time Para-Legal Volunteers (PLVs) started in Mysuru.
  • The initiative aims to bring free legal aid to disadvantaged sections of society.
  • PLVs act as vital intermediaries between the public and legal institutions like Lok Adalats.

A significant stride toward enhancing legal literacy was taken in Mysuru on Monday with the inauguration of a two-day refresher training programme for selected part-time Para-Legal Volunteers (PLVs). The event, held at the Abdul Nazir Sab Hall, is a collaborative effort involving the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority, Mysuru District Legal Services Authority, the Advocates’ Association, various government departments, and the Outlawed India Foundation.

The programme was officially inaugurated by Sandhya Rao P., the First Additional District and Sessions Judge. During her address, Judge Rao emphasized that the PLV scheme, originally introduced by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in 2009, is being rigorously implemented to ensure that legal awareness is not a privilege of the few but a right for all, especially the most disadvantaged sections of society.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the integration of PLVs into the judicial framework is critical for reducing the burden on formal courts. By acting as the first point of contact, these volunteers prevent unnecessary litigation and ensure that the poor, women, and marginalized communities are not intimidated by the complexity of the law. This decentralized approach to justice is essential for the actualization of constitutional guarantees in rural and semi-urban India.

Judge Rao clarified the specific role of these volunteers, stating that they are not advocates but social service providers with basic legal knowledge. Their primary objective is to serve as a bridge, taking justice directly to the doorsteps of the people. They are tasked with connecting eligible citizens to Lok Adalats, mediation centres, and the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA).

Para-legal volunteers are the unsung foot soldiers of the judiciary, transforming abstract legal rights into tangible social empowerment for the voiceless.

The scope of the PLVs' responsibilities is extensive. They are expected to identify and report critical social issues, including domestic violence, child marriage, child labour, and dowry harassment. Beyond legal aid, they will assist citizens in accessing essential government services such as housing, pensions, Aadhaar services, and employment guarantee schemes, ensuring a holistic approach to welfare.

The event saw the presence of high-ranking officials, including Fast Track Special Court and District and Sessions Judge Anand P. Hogade, DLSA Member-Secretary Nagaraj Siddappa Ankasadoddi, and Zilla Panchayat CEO S. Yukesh Kumar, among other legal and administrative dignitaries.

Did You Know?: The NALSA PLV scheme was launched in 2009 to ensure that the 'Right to Free Legal Aid' guaranteed under Article 39A of the Indian Constitution reaches the grassroots level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Are Para-Legal Volunteers (PLVs) qualified lawyers?
No, PLVs are not advocates. They are trained intermediaries who possess basic legal knowledge to provide social service and guide people toward professional legal help.

Q2: What is the primary goal of the PLV training in Mysuru?
The goal is to create legal awareness and ensure that marginalized groups—including women, children, and SC/ST communities—can access free legal aid and government welfare schemes.