Mangaluru: Legal Aid Help Desk launched at District Prison

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 16, 2026: A Legal Aid Help Desk has been inaugurated at the Mangaluru District Prison to provide free legal assistance to inmates lodged in minor cases and to support their family members.

The facility was inaugurated by Principal District and Sessions Judge Basavaraj on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion, Judge Basavaraj said that the District Legal Services Authority has already been offering free legal aid and that setting up the help desk within the prison premises would make legal assistance more accessible to prisoners and their families.

District Legal Services Authority Member Secretary Zaibunnisa said that legal formalities and technical procedures often prevent family members from meeting inmates and can delay bail processes. She said the newly established centre would provide free legal guidance and assistance to prisoners and their relatives in such situations.

She further stated that the centre would also facilitate communication between inmates and their families twice a week.

The help desk will function daily from 11 am to 1 pm and from 4 pm to 5.30 pm. Three advocates have been appointed to provide legal advice and guidance to the families of the accused, while 10 legal volunteers have also been assigned to support the initiative.

However, the facility will not extend assistance to accused persons involved in murder, POCSO, major NDPS, and rape cases. Inmates booked under other categories of offences will be eligible for legal support through the centre.

Mangaluru Prison Superintendent Sharana Basappa, advocates Raviraj, KSISF Inspector Subhash, and centre consultant Dennis D’Souza were present on the occasion.