Events

Under the guidance of Dr. Sanavi Deshmukh Ma’am, Principal, Bhagubai Changu Thakur College of Law mentorship of Asst. Prof. Shilpa Nagaonkar and Asst. Prof. Raghav Sharma, subject Teacher Practical Training II, on 16th September 2025, the students of 2nd Year LL.B. and under mentorship of Asst. Prof. Dr. Mamta Bhattacharjee, subject Teacher Practical Training II, on 17th September 2025, the students of 4th Year B.A. LL.B. visited Panvel District Court as a part of the academic curriculum students are required to visit courts to gain practical exposure to judicial proceedings and functioning of the justice delivery system. The visit was conducted with the objective of observing court practices, understanding the judicial process, and studying the working of legal aid services in practice. 1. To observe the functioning of the Panvel District Court at different levels. 2. To study the role of judges, advocates, clerks, and other court staff. 3. To understand the procedural aspects of trials in both civil and criminal matters. 4. To analyse the role and importance of Legal Aid Services in ensuring access to justice. 5. To bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical exposure. During the visit, students observed the following: ❖ Criminal Trials: Examination of witnesses, framing of charges, and cross-examination processes. ❖ Civil Cases: Arguments regarding property disputes, interim injunctions, and procedural submissions. ❖ Administrative Work: Filing of cases, role of clerks, and case listing procedures. ❖ Interaction with Lawyers: Advocates discussed challenges faced in litigation and emphasized the significance of legal aid for economically weaker sections. Special attention was given to the Legal Services Authority functioning at Panvel District Court, which is a part of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA). ❖ Awareness: Posters and notices regarding free legal aid and Lok Adalats were displayed in the court premises. ❖ Assistance to Litigants: Free legal representation was provided to eligible persons, including women, children, and economically weaker sections. ❖ Lok Adalats: Students learned how disputes such as motor accident claims, family disputes, and petty criminal matters are amicably settled through Lok Adalats. ❖ Challenges Identified: Despite availability, many people remain unaware of their right to free legal aid. Limited manpower and resources also affect the efficiency of legal aid delivery. From the visit, students gained: ❖ Practical understanding of courtroom etiquette and procedure. ❖ Knowledge of how legal aid bridges the gap between the marginalized sections of society and access to justice. ❖ Awareness of the importance of pro bono work by advocates and state-sponsored legal aid mechanisms. ❖ Realization of the challenges in ensuring speedy justice and the role of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. The Panvel District Court Visit was a valuable educational experience for the students of 2nd Year LL.B. It enabled them to witness the realities of the justice system and understand the crucial role of Legal Aid Services in making justice accessible to all. The visit not only enhanced their practical legal knowledge but also instilled a sense of professional responsibility towards society. We express our gratitude to: ❖ The Hon’ble District Judges, Hon’ble Judge and Court Staff of Panvel District Court for permitting and facilitating our visit. ❖ The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Raigad-Panvel for explaining the working of Legal Aid Services. ❖ Our Faculty Members and College Management for organizing the court visit and guiding us throughout.