Pune: Legal Aid Centre Launched in Pune to Support Soldiers and Their Families: A Step Towards Justice and Respect
Pune, 29th July 2025: In a landmark initiative honouring the service and sacrifice of India’s soldiers, a Legal Aid Clinic has been inaugurated at the Soldiers’ Welfare Department in Ghorpadi, Pune, under the NALSA Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana 2025. The centre aims to provide timely, accurate, and free legal assistance to serving soldiers, ex-servicemen, war widows, and families of martyred soldiers.
The centre was inaugurated on July 28, coinciding with Kargil Vijay Diwas, in a joint effort by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority, District Legal Services Authority, and the Maharashtra State Soldiers’ Welfare Department.
Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar, Divisional Commissioner, lauded the initiative as a “strong step toward justice for the guardians of the nation,” and called it an exemplary model of cooperation between administration, judiciary, and social responsibility. “Ensuring legal protection and dignity for soldiers and their families is not just a necessity, but our duty,” he added.
Principal District and Sessions Judge Mahendra K. Mahajan emphasised that nearly 50% of citizens remain unaware of government schemes and legal aid provisions—particularly among military families. He hailed the centre as a historic opportunity for those who serve and sacrifice for the country. “Protecting the rights of our soldiers’ families is the real face of justice,” he said.
Comprehensive Free Legal Services
Sonal Patil, Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, highlighted the centre’s services, which include:
-Legal advice on civil, criminal, service-related, and pension issues
-Support for compensation claims in accident and insurance matters
-Guidance on land and property disputes
-Assistance with government schemes and application processes
-Free legal representation and counselling services
-Help with filing complaints and navigating court procedures
She stated, “A soldier fights on the battlefield, but their family often continues the struggle in legal corridors. We are here to stand beside them.”
All eligible personnel and families have been urged to avail the completely free services at the clinic. Officials stressed that this centre is not only a token of gratitude but a functional platform for legal empowerment, ensuring that no soldier’s family is left unsupported in their pursuit of justice.
