The need for every individual to acquire legal knowledge, was stressed by the Judge, Madras High Court and Executive Chairman, Tamil Nadu Legal Services Authority Mr.Justice Elipe Dharmarao here on Saturday.
Participating in a legal awareness camp organized by the district court and various bar associations,he lamented, “in today’s society, illegal activities are on the rise” and added that legal knowledge will be of help in solving many problems. In particular the illiterate should have knowledge of basic laws and their importance in order to thwart possible threats to their rights and liberties which are guaranteed and enshrined under the constitution.
Coming down hard on the manner in which community certificates are being issued, he pointed that he had come across issuance of certificates by officers who were at the helm of affairs without even verifying the genuineness of the claims of applicants. Sometimes fake documents are being accepted for extraneous considerations. This deprives the under privileged of their benefits.
Mr.Justice Dharmarao urged the Tamil Nadu government to provide for reservation in promotion for those belonging to the SC and ST category.
Regretting that such vacancies are being filled with general category candidates, he said that it runs contrary to the objectives of Article 16-4 (A) of the Constitution.
Stating that the Tamil Nadu Legal Services Authority is a pioneer in offering legal services to the poor and needy, he said that to encourage able and efficient advocates to come on board the panel of lawyers of the legal services, the fees have been raised. However, “we exhibit zero tolerance to any misdeed or dereliction of duty on the part of the panel lawyers”, he added.
Since inception in 1977 the authority has conducted 42,644 legal literacy camps and received 8,73,795 applications.
The District and Sessions Judge, the Nilgiris C.S.Murugan said that the camp has been organized to distribute birth certificates to 500 tribal children. It was the first of its kind.
Government Pleader N.Krishnamoorthi, the President, Nilgiri Bar Association N.Narayanakutty and Coordinator of Tribal Associations Ramdass were among those who spoke.
Earlier Mr.Justice Dharmarao inaugurated a District Munsif Court at Coonoor.
