Suryaa Telangana Desk: Protecting child rights and ensuring justice for children is a collective responsibility of society, stated B. Soujanya, Secretary of the Sangareddy District Legal Services Authority. She emphasized that every child has the right to education, health, safety, protection, and a life of dignity.
As part of the week-long programs organized for National Legal Services Day, which is observed on November 9, a legal awareness session was held at the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) office in Sangareddy.
During the event, B. Soujanya explained that the national, state, and district legal services authorities conduct various programs to ensure justice is accessible to all. She noted that the primary objective of these organizations is to provide free legal aid to the economically disadvantaged, women, children, and weaker sections of society.
The session focused on laws concerning child protection, specifically key provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. B. Soujanya highlighted the need for special attention toward children in conflict with the law and those in need of care and protection. She urged everyone to act responsibly to prevent violence, harassment, discrimination, child labor, child marriage, and other forms of exploitation against children.
Regarding children involved in legal issues, she stated that they should not be viewed as criminals. Instead, their age, circumstances, and future should be considered, with priority given to counseling, rehabilitation, education, and social reintegration.
The program also covered the legal services provided through the Juvenile Justice Board, the procedures to be followed during case hearings, and the necessity of maintaining the privacy of children. She stressed that the best interests of the child must remain the top priority in all circumstances.
B. Soujanya advised that crimes against children should be reported to the relevant authorities and that legal assistance should be sought when rights are violated. She added that the District Legal Services Authority provides free legal aid, lawyer services, and guidance to eligible children, emphasizing that seeking justice is a right and should be done without fear or hesitation.
The event was attended by Principal Magistrate and Additional Junior Civil Judge K. Dhanalakshmi, Juvenile Justice Board members, the Public Prosecutor, JJB lawyer Nizamuddin, and JJB Legal Aid Clinic lawyer J. Srikanth. The program aimed to raise awareness about child rights, welfare, protection laws, and free legal services while promoting the objectives of National Legal Services Day.