Internship Experience @ District Legal Services Authority, Madhopur

This Internship Experience has been submitted by Jigeesha Vaishnav.

Name

Jigeesha Vaishnav

Name of the College

Institute of Law, Nirma University

Name of the Organisation

District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Sawai, Madhopur

Duration of Internship

June 1, 2024 – June 20, 2024

How did you Apply?

I applied for this internship by submitting my duly filled application form to RSLSA. The form is released annually by RSLSA for internship slots for that particular year.

First-Day Formalities, Infrastructure, and First Impression

As per the procedure, the internship is divided into two parts. The first 20 days are to be completed at any DLSA, which the applicant is required to specify in the application form, and the allotment is made accordingly. The remaining 10 days are to be completed at RSLSA, either in Jaipur or Jodhpur, with the allotment generally based on proximity—typically assigning the location closest to the applicant.

Main Tasks

During my internship with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Sawai Madhopur, I was primarily engaged in observing and understanding the functioning of legal aid mechanisms at the district level. I had the opportunity to visit and study the operations of various institutions, including the District and Sessions Court, Central Jail, Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), POCSO Court, Child Welfare Committee, Child Care Institution (Children’s Home), and Old Age Home.

These visits offered a practical insight into how different arms of the justice system work in coordination with legal services authorities.

A major learning experience came from observing Lok Adalats and mediation proceedings, as well as understanding the implementation of the Victim Compensation Scheme and the provision of free legal aid to underprivileged individuals. I also assisted in preparing Public Utility Cases (PUCs) and gained exposure to the functioning of the Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC).

In addition, I contributed to legal awareness campaigns and public welfare initiatives organised by the DLSA, including the observance of World Environment Day, World Day Against Child Labour, and a healthcare camp for senior citizens.

Work Environment

The working environment at the DLSA was both educational and well-structured, offering a balanced mix of field visits and office-based legal observation. The staff was professional, approachable, and supportive, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where interns could learn and ask questions freely.

The district-level functioning ensured constant engagement with real-time cases and outreach programs, encouraging reflection on the social responsibility of legal professionals. Whether in the courtroom or at legal literacy camps in villages, the culture consistently demonstrated a commitment to equitable legal service delivery.

Interactions with panel lawyers, para-legal volunteers, and administrative staff added depth to the experience, providing a comprehensive, ground-level understanding of the justice delivery system.

Good Things about the Internship

One of the most rewarding aspects of this internship was gaining first-hand exposure to the practical application of legal aid, far beyond the scope of academic study. Through the initiatives of the DLSA, I witnessed how justice is extended to vulnerable groups, including children in conflict with the law, women facing domestic abuse, under-trial prisoners, and senior citizens with limited support.

Observing real mediation sessions and Lok Adalats was particularly valuable in understanding how alternative dispute resolution mechanisms ease the burden on courts while providing timely remedies. Participating in awareness campaigns and welfare activities added a meaningful dimension of community engagement, reinforcing the social responsibility inherent in the legal profession.

Guidance from senior staff members and legal professionals was another highlight, as they generously shared their experiences and offered insights into legal procedures, field documentation, and the empathetic handling of sensitive cases.

Bad Things about the Internship

Although my internship was meaningful, some of the NGO and child care home inspections were disturbing. Many of these places lacked even basic hygiene and care, and some seemed to exist only on paper. It was hard to see that kind of neglect up close. However, seeing the Secretary take firm action against them showed that the DLSA is serious about holding such institutions accountable and protecting vulnerable people.

Monthly Stipend

The internship offered by the DLSA was an unpaid opportunity. There was no monthly stipend or monetary compensation provided to interns.

Details about the Accommodation, Commuting to the Office

Accommodation was not arranged by the DLSA, and interns were expected to manage their own lodging. The proximity of my accommodation to the District Court complex, local administrative offices, and field visit locations allowed me to reach my destinations punctually and efficiently. Public transport, such as auto-rickshaws, was readily available for short distances, and in many cases, I could rely on my own conveyance.

Anything else you want to share?

This internship reaffirmed my commitment to public interest law and the importance of pro bono legal work. It was inspiring to witness how even a small legal intervention could make a significant difference in someone’s life, whether it was securing bail for an undertrial or helping a senior citizen access pension rights.

I also realized that the justice system, especially at the grassroots level, is intricately linked with social work, advocacy, and community engagement. Interning at the DLSA was a transformative experience that broadened my understanding of the legal system’s social dimension and the crucial role that lawyers can play in bridging the gap between law and the common citizen.

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