Bilaspur, March 23, 2025: The Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority organized a one-day Refresher Training Programme for Legal Aid Defense Counsels of the State at the Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy Bilaspur. This marks a pivotal step towards strengthening the State’s Legal Aid Defense Counsel System and reinforcing its commitment to justice for all, particularly for those who cannot afford quality legal representation.
The inaugural session commenced with the lighting of the traditional lamp by the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Shri Justice Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice, High Court of Chhattisgarh. This ceremonial moment symbolized the illumination of justice and legal wisdom.
On the occasion of the inaugural ceremony of the Refresher Training Program for Legal Aid Defense Counsels, Hon’ble The Chief Justice delivered a powerful and motivating address to the participants.
In his address, Hon’ble the Chief Justice expressed his deep appreciation for the essential work carried out by the Legal Aid Defense Counsels, who serve as the cornerstone of the State’s commitment of providing legal aid to those in need. His Lordship stated,
“Your role is not just that of a lawyer but as a protector of justice, a beacon of hope for those who cannot afford legal representation.”
His Lordship further emphasized the importance of the title “Nyaya Rakshak,” meaning “Defender of Justice,” given by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to Defense Counsels.
Hon’ble The Chief Justice stated:
“This title is not just an honour but a responsibility that requires dedication, integrity, and relentless commitment to justice”.
With the growing demand for Legal Aid Services, Hon’ble The Chief Justice highlighted that the Chhattisgarh State currently has 106 Chief, Deputy, and Assistant Defense Counsels, along with a dedicated support staff making of 172 personnel. Acknowledging the increasing need, additional 178 posts have been approved, bringing the total number of personnel in the Legal Aid Defense Counsel System to 350. Recruitment for these posts is already in progress, ensuring the system remains robust and responsive to the growing caseload.
“With this expansion, we will be able to provide more efficient and high-quality legal services,” His Lordship stated.
Hon’ble The Chief Justice highlighted the remarkable progress made by the Legal Aid Defense Council System, noting that in 2023, Legal Aid Defense Counsels handled 12,728 cases, including Sessions trials, Magistrate trials, bail cases, and remand cases. This figure rose to 17,773 cases in 2024, with the number of successfully resolved cases increasing from 6,965 in 2023 to 9,185 in 2024.
“This remarkable progress is a testament to the dedication, expertise and hard work of the Legal Aid Defense Counsels.”, His Lordship remarked.
Hon’ble The Chief Justice also stressed the importance of empathy and understanding in Legal Defense in his address. His Lordship urged the Legal Aid Defense Counsels to engage deeply with the accused, listen attentively to their grievances, and treat them with dignity and respect so that they feel heard, supported, and represented.
Emphasizing the need to understand the full context of each case and take a personalized approach, His Lordship stated:
“Every case is different, and a one-size-fits-all approach does not work in Legal Defense. You must develop strong case-handling strategies, analyze the facts thoroughly, prepare well-researched arguments, and ensure that no detail is overlooked”.
Moreover, Hon’ble The Chief Justice underscored the importance of preparation, dedication, and responsibility in legal practice. His Lordship encouraged the Legal Aid Defense Counsels to give their best in every case, no matter how small or complex, as their efforts directly contribute to the public’s trust in the Legal Aid System.
“You are not just lawyers—you are advocates of justice, voices for the voiceless, and defenders of rights,” His Lordship affirmed.
Recognizing the increasing role of technology in the legal profession, Hon’ble The Chief Justice called on the participants to embrace digital tools for case management, research and documentation.
“Technology can help you work more efficiently, stay organized, and strengthen your arguments with quick access to legal precedents and references,” His Lordship said, urging the Legal Aid Defense Counsels to use digital tools and technology to improve their skill and capacity.
Additionally, Hon’ble The Chief Justice encouraged continuous learning and professional growth. His Lordship reminded the Legal Aid Defense Counsels that the law is constantly evolving, and staying updated with legal developments is crucial for remaining effective in their role. His Lordship motivated the participants to use the training program as a platform to share experiences, learn from each other and adopt best practices, ultimately contributing to the strength of the justice system.
Concluding his address, Hon’ble The Chief Justice extended his best wishes for a fruitful training program.
“May this session empower you with greater knowledge, confidence, and motivation to serve justice with excellence,” His Lordship stated.
The Director, Chhattisgarh Judicial Academy gave the welcome address at the inaugural ceremony of Refresher Training. The inaugural ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by the Member Secretary of the State Legal Services Authority and the attendees were left with a renewed sense of purpose and a deep understanding of their pivotal role in the pursuit of justice.
A total of 47 Chief and Deputy Legal Aid Defense Counsels from all the Districts of the State participated in this Refresher Training programme. The Inaugural session was followed by technical sessions. These sessions included discussions and deliberations with the participants on various topics such as Bail, Defense Strategies, Cross Examination, Effective client communication and management skills and more.
The inaugural ceremony was also attended by The Registrar General, High Court of Chhattisgarh, Officers of the Registry and Officers of the State Judicial Academy.
