Pro Bono Month 2024-25 | Organised by Legal Services Clinic, NLSIU
November 21, 2024
In line with its ongoing efforts to increase student outreach and foster deeper engagement in pro bono work, the Legal Services Clinic (LSC), a student-run committee at NLSIU, launched Pro Bono Month 2024-25 on November 9, 2024. This event coincides with National Legal Services Day and also marks the 10th anniversary of the LSC receiving the prestigious MacJannet Prize for its pioneering contributions to legal aid and justice. This month-long celebration features a series of impactful activities, including exhibitions, panel discussions, movie screenings, and workshops, all aimed at raising awareness and encouraging students to become actively involved in legal aid efforts. Here are some of the highlights:
Legal Services Exhibition & Archive | Nov 9, 2024
The month began with a Legal Services Exhibition, inaugurated by Faculty Advisor & Director of Clinics, Darshana Mitra. A highlight of the event was the release of a short film chronicling LSC’s decade-long journey. Visitors, including students, faculty, and alumni, explored the Clinic’s evolving archive, featuring photographs from Legal Literacy Programs (LLPs), creative exhibits, and impactful projects. Further, Draft FAQ Booklets on Geriatric Rights prepared in collaboration with the Nightingale Medical Trust were released by Dr. Sarasu Thomas (Director, Manipal Law School), reinforcing LSC’s commitment to community outreach.
Panel Discussion | Nov 16, 2024
On November 16, 2024, the LSC hosted a distinguished panel discussion on “Human Rights and Community Lawyering in India’s Carceral Landscape” as part of its Pro Bono Month celebrations. The event featured a panel of experts, including Supreme Court Advocate Prashant Bhushan, Prof. Anup Surendranath, Executive Director of Project 39A, NLU Delhi, and Radhika Chitkara, Assistant Professor at NLSIU. The session was expertly moderated by Padmini Baruah, Assistant Professor at NLSIU.
Adv. Prashant Bhushan’s keynote address delved into critical questions like: “What makes a good human rights lawyer?” The panellists emphasized the vital role of legal aid clinics in university spaces, highlighting their importance as open, accessible resources for marginalized communities. They stressed the necessity of involving students directly in clinical work, which not only enriches their practical learning but also enables meaningful engagement with real-world legal issues. The discussion also covered topics such as community advocacy, systemic reforms, and the challenges within India’s carceral system. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, allowing students to engage with the panellists and gain further insights into the subject matter.
Movie Screening | Nov 20, 2024
On November 20, 2024, the LSC hosted a screening of the critically acclaimed legal film Jai Bhim (Tamil), which is based on true events. The film portrays the inspiring journey of a pro bono lawyer fighting systemic oppression and police brutality to secure justice for marginalized communities. The screening attracted a large student audience and provided an evening of reflection on the transformative power of law in addressing human rights violations. The event fostered a casual atmosphere where students engaged in discussions about the film’s relevance to contemporary legal issues.
Looking Ahead
Pro Bono Month 2024-25 is an attempt toward furthering LSC’s mission of increasing student outreach and encouraging active participation in legal aid. Through exhibitions, panel discussions, and film screenings, the Clinic has fostered meaningful dialogue, reinforced the importance of legal aid in achieving justice, and underscored the crucial role of clinical spaces in providing students with practical legal experience. The LSC looks forward to continuing this momentum with upcoming events throughout the month.
With more events lined up for the remainder of Pro Bono Month, LSC will continue to provide platforms for students to explore pressing legal issues and deepen their involvement in pro bono activities. These efforts are central to enhancing student engagement and promoting the importance of legal aid work in university spaces.
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