Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority in association with Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy organized a Refresher Training Program for Legal Aid Defense Counsels today at CSJA. The Chief Guest, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice, High Court of Chhattisgarh & Patron-In-Chief, Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy & Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority inaugurated the Session.
The Program was also graced by the presence of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal, Judge, High Court of Chhattisgarh & Executive Chairman, Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority and Hon’ble Mrs. Justice Rajani Dubey, Judge High Court of Chhattisgarh & Chairperson Committee to monitor the functioning of Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy.
In his inaugural address, Hon’ble The Chief Justice highlighted the pivotal role of Legal Aid Defense Counsels in ensuring access to justice for marginalized and vulnerable sections of society. His Lordship emphasized, “Legal aid should be provided to the poor, but legal aid itself must not be poor,” and stressed the need for legal aid counsels to continuously upgrade their knowledge, skills, and professional ethics.
Hon’ble The Chief Justice delivered an insightful address emphasizing that the framework of legal aid has grown into one of the strongest pillars supporting the constitutional guarantee of equality before law and equal protection of the laws. He remarked that “It is through your tireless efforts that the ideal of Article 39A of Indian Constitution — that no person shall be denied justice by reason of economic or other disabilities — finds realisation in our courts every single day.”
Hon’ble The Chief Justice also highlighted that as of 1st September 2025, there are 23 Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsels and 54 Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsels shouldering this vital responsibility across the State. This is not merely a number; it reflects a network of dedicated professionals whose service enhances the credibility and reach of our justice system.
Hon’ble The Chief Justice further highlighted that in the State of Chhattisgarh, between January 2025 and August 2025, a total of 3,443 cases were assigned to the Defense Counsels and 1,938 cases — which includes both sessions trials and cases before the magistrate courts — were successfully disposed of within this period. During these eight months, 2,101 bail applications were assigned out of which 2,027 bail applications have been diligently pursued by the Counsels. Each one of these represents not just a statistical outcome but the real lives of individuals and families whose faith in justice has been strengthened through dedicated intervention.
Hon’ble The Chief Justice urged all the Legal Aid Defense Counsels that “the journey of learning in law is unending, for the law itself is ever-evolving. By engaging in this training programme, you reaffirm your resolve to adapt with the changing times, to remain diligent students of the law, and to dedicate yourselves afresh to the noble service of justice.”
The Refresher Training Program witnessed enthusiastic participation of Defense Counsels from across the State, who engaged in interactive sessions and deliberations. The programme is expected to significantly contribute towards strengthening the delivery of free and effective legal services to those in need.
The event was attended by the Incharge Registrar General & other Registry Officers of the High Court. The Welcome address was delivered by the Director of Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by The Member Secretary of the CGSLSA.
