Atma Marjada
Suraha - Legal Aid to the needy ones

Ms. Suhasini Ali, President All India Democratic Association & Mr. Nishith R Adhikari, Minister-in-charge of Law and Judicial Department of W.B. in a legal aid camp
This center is run in South Kolkata under the helm of West Bengal State Legal Authority Board where the members with legal backgrounds, assisted by the advocates listen to the problem of the needy ones, counsels them, attempt to settle the dispute and even contest before the court against the social imparity to the poor ones. Needless to mention, this acts as a authentic body on behalf of the State Legal Authority Board. During last 30 months more than 750 cases of disputes have been registered at Suraha of which more than 350 were settled with compromise at our instance. We are thankful

to the veteran legal practitioners and counselors who assist the Legal Sub Committee of Suraha that runs the day-to-affair. As a part of this project we conducted a survey amongst the college girls of Kolkata and imparted them awareness training on counseling for a period of one month and awarded certificate of merit. This will help them in seeking employment as counselor for the government bodies. So far 67 girl students have successfully completed the certificate course.
On 28th July, 2002, we conducted a mass awareness symposium on the limitations and weakness on a proposal by Government of India for enacting a bill on the women harassment and brought the same to the knowledge of government for necessary amendment before proclamation of the bill. By way of this activity, Suraha rendered social service for legal aid to the needy women who could come to know about the proposed bill.
Secretary Shyamali Gupta welcomes during inauguration of Barasat Camp of Suraha

Work Report of Suaraha (1) : 2007


Distinguished participants in
Suraha Seminar

During the year 2007, 89  matrimonial problems have been registered. Among these disputes, 13 couples could be reunited and all their problems were amicably resolved. Where husbands and wives are residing separately, in 22 cases, husbands or in-laws agreed to pay interim maintenance to the wives after repeated counseling and intervention of advocates and counselors.

Advocates of Suraha are trying with utmost sincerity to re-institute the wives who were driven out from matrimonial homes. Six such cases were successful where women got back the right of residence.

In 20-22 cases, belongings and valuable articles could be recovered from the in-laws’ residence and returned to the respective wives who are forced to live separately.

When reconciliation is not possible after repeated counseling, advocates of Suraha advised for permanent settlement I.e. mutual divorce and maintenance at a time. In such cases, couples agreed for mutual divorce fulfilling terms and conditions of divorce from both the parties.

Eleven petitions have been dropped out as opposite parties of complainant did not turn up and no intervention was possible.