Bilaspur, 07 February 2026: The third part of the One-Day Refresher Training Programme for Legal Aid Defense Counsels was successfully conducted on 07th February 2026 at the Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy (CSJA), Bilaspur. The programme was organised by the Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority (CGSLSA) in association with the Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy.
Addressing the participants, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice, High Court of Chhattisgarh, stated that the Legal Aid Defense Counsel System is a vital step towards strengthening access to justice and fulfilling the constitutional mandate under Article 39A of the Constitution of India. His Lordship emphasised that the quality of defense provided to the underprivileged directly affects the credibility of the justice delivery system and highlighted the significant responsibility and public trust reposed in Chief and Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsels. His Lordship encouraged the participants to actively engage, share experiences and discuss practical challenges to enhance the quality and effectiveness of legal aid defense services across the State.
The inaugural session was graced by the august presence of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Parth Prateem Sahu, Hon’ble Mrs. Justice Rajani Dubey, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sachin Singh Rajput, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Rakesh Mohan Pandey, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Arvind Kumar Verma, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Bibhu Datta Guru, and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Amitendra Kishore Prasad, Judges of the High Court of Chhattisgarh.
The programme was also attended by the Registrar General and Officers of the Registry, Director and Officers of the Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy, Member Secretary, CGSLSA, and Officers of CGSLSA.
The training programme witnessed the participation of 74 participants, including Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsels and Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsels from across the State, aimed at strengthening the quality and effectiveness of legal aid defense services.
The welcome address was delivered by the Director, Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy, and the vote of thanks was proposed by the Member Secretary, Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority.
The programme reaffirmed the commitment of the Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority and Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy towards capacity building of legal aid defense counsels and strengthening access to justice for the underprivileged.
