UGC urges law colleges, universities to conduct legal aid programmes

NEW DELHI: In a recent notice, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has urged higher education institutions (HEIs) to conduct legal aid programmes to make the common people in the country aware of their rights. The directive aims to ensure, protect and promote the human rights of all the people in the country.

As per UGC notice, the NHRC, mandated under the Protection of Human Rights Act of 1993, conducted an open house discussion focused on "Access to Legal Aid to Victims." During the discussion, a recommendation emerged emphasizing the need for more effective legal aid programmes within universities and law colleges.

NHRC's recommendation on legal aid programmes

The NHRC suggested that the legal aid programmes should be survey-oriented and that legal awareness should be imparted to the masses by law students. The goal is to ensure that legal aid reaches the most vulnerable groups and those who lack awareness of their legal rights. “Legal aid programmes in the universities, law colleges should be survey-oriented and legal awareness should be impacted by law students to the masses. Legal aid should be provided by students to the most vulnerable groups and unaware people", read the notice. The UGC has called on all higher education institutions to take necessary and appropriate actions to align with the NHRC's recommendations.

UGC, NLU Delhi hosted colloquium on new criminal laws

On July 8, the UGC and National Law University (NLU), Delhi hosted a colloquium titled "New Criminal Laws: A Vision for Justice and Rule of Law." According to Live Law report, the panelists explored the future of criminal justice and the rule of law, highlighting pathways for advancing legal frameworks to ensure justice and uphold legal principles. The event included three panel discussions focusing on the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.