From June 1 to June 7 2024, twelve students from Class 12 embarked on a comprehensive legal education program at Karkardooma Court. This initiative aimed to provide firsthand insights into the working of the judiciary and foster a deeper understanding of legal rights and responsibilities among young minds.
Day 1: Orientation and Court Visit Initially, interns filled out and signed documents in the conference room before being led to the family court, which was bustling with activity. They observed a productive case. Moving to the civil court, they received insights from a forthright judge on judiciary functions and the symbolism of lawyers' attire. The head judge discussed future legal needs and highlighted interesting cases. They returned for refreshments and interacted with advocate Mr. Himalaya, who answered their questions throughout the day. Dismissed at 4:20 PM, they left with newfound enthusiasm and lasting memories.
Day 2: Visit to Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) On the second day, the interns visited the Juvenile Justice Board, a destination that sparked curiosity and anticipation among them. They were introduced to Mr Gaurav and split into groups A and B, each comprising six interns. The judges conducted proceedings with sensitivity and the environment was notably private, with cell phones prohibited.
They gained insights into the board's hierarchy, learning that it consists of one judge and two social members. Below them, typewriters and a reader facilitate case information transmission. The Observation Homes for Boys (OHB), where juveniles accused of crimes are rehabilitated rather than incarcerated, were explained. OHB1 is for those below 16, while OHB2 is for 16–18-year-olds.
The interns examined detailed case files, including victim statements, police reports, and educational documentation. Despite the day ending early at around 1 PM, they found the experience enriching, particularly in witnessing diverse and impactful cases firsthand.
Day 3: Visit to Shelter Homes The interns visited Sanskar Ashram, a warm and welcoming environment, to observe the daily lives of local children, many of whom were lost or abandoned.
They began at the girls' ashram, adorned with vibrant paintings and drawings. They observed the structured routines, meal plans, and educational resources that shaped the girls' daily lives—simple yet fulfilling, focused on school and personal development without distractions like social media.
Moving to the boys' ashram, they noted a different atmosphere characterized by academic prowess rather than creative expression. They witnessed educational displays like a meticulously crafted periodic table and detailed physics explanations. Despite concerns about phone usage, the visit provided valuable insights into educational settings and the challenges faced by marginalized children.
Overall, it was an enlightening experience that highlighted the resilience and resourcefulness of the children at Sanskar Ashram, leaving a lasting impression on the interns.
Day 4: Legal Awareness in Seelampur Slum The interns embarked on a field tour through the narrow lanes of Seelampur slums in scorching Delhi heat, accompanied by their new instructor, Mr. Kamta Prasad, who impressed with his knowledge and kindness. Their first stop was Mahila Panchayat, an organization safeguarding women and children from mistreatment, established nine years ago in Delhi.
They engaged in discussions about various collaborations, types of NGOs, and the Sukanya scheme aimed at empowering young girls. The interns distributed informational packets containing the helpline number 1516 to local residents, gathering valuable data and offering assistance with legal matters where needed.
The day proved highly productive as interns interacted with children and local residents, gaining insights into community challenges and fostering meaningful connections with new acquaintances.
Day 5: Visit to Police Station and Interaction with Law Enforcement The visit to Police Stations in Shastri Park and New Usmanpur proved to be a riveting experience for the interns, despite the distance from Seelampur. They walked eagerly to Usmanpur station where they were warmly welcomed by the Branch's IO, who conducted a detailed tour of the station's various rooms, including those for recording and storing evidence. They also had insightful conversations with individuals in the lockup.
After capturing memorable moments with the IO and HOD, they proceeded to Shastri Park station, which had been temporarily relocated due to ongoing construction. Here, they met the Station House Officer (SHO), who provided a comprehensive overview of the station's operations and showed them the room where case files and sensitive evidence were kept, including those related to deceased body parts.
Overall, it was an immensely informative experience for the interns, offering a firsthand glimpse into police procedures and the complexities of law enforcement, leaving a lasting impression on their understanding of public safety and legal proceedings.
Day 6: Court Visit and Interaction with DLSA Secretary On the final day, the interns proceeded to AJS POCSO Court, where Advocate Ms. Nitika Trekhamam provided them with a comprehensive overview of the ongoing POSCO cases. After a brief break for refreshments in the conference room, they engaged in a profound half-hour discussion with the main judge they had met the previous day. During this session, the judge elaborated on their experiences, shared detailed insights, and made final decisions. The interns concluded the day with heartfelt farewells to their instructors, marking the end of their internship with a mix of emotions and a deep appreciation for the knowledge gained.
The legal education program at Karkardooma Court provided Class XII students with a transformative learning experience. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical exposure, the program aimed to nurture informed and socially responsible citizens. The interactive sessions, visits to various legal institutions, and community engagements have equipped students with invaluable insights into the complexities of the legal system and the importance of legal literacy in fostering a just society.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the North East District Legal Services Authority under the Administrative Control of the High Court of Delhi (Karkardooma) for their invaluable support and guidance throughout the program. Their commitment to empowering young minds through legal education has made this initiative a resounding success.