DLSA Pune Observes International Justice Day with Launch of ‘Unlocking Liberty – The UTRC Process & Undertrial Rights’

Pune, 16 July 2025

The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Pune, solemnly commemorated International Justice Day with a thought-provoking and impactful event at the prestigious Ashoka Hall, District and Sessions Court, Shivajinagar, Pune. The event was centered around the launch of the publication “Unlocking Liberty – The UTRC Process & Undertrial Rights.”

A Moving Start

The program opened with the screening of an evocative short film depicting the harsh realities endured by undertrial prisoners—shedding light on their emotional, social, and legal struggles within the prison system. The film resonated deeply with the audience, setting the tone for an event dedicated to reform, human dignity, and justice for the underserved.

Eminent Dignitaries

The main session was graced by the presence of several esteemed dignitaries, including:

• Mahendra K. Mahajan, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Pune
• A.S. Waghmare, District and Sessions Judge-1, Pune
• B.V. Wagh, District and Sessions Judge-3
• Pramod Bombatkar, District Government Pleader, Pune
• Hemant Zanjad, President, Pune Bar Association
•  M.D. Datrage, Additional Public Prosecutor, Pune
• Karim Jiwani, Chief, Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS), Pune
• B.D. Kopnar, ACP, Commissioner of Police, PCMC
• M.S. Salvi, RPI, Commissioner of Police, PCMC
• Dr. B.N. Dhore, Deputy Superintendent, Yerwada Central Jail
• S.S. Gholave, Police Inspector, Pune Rural
• V.D. Nichit, Police Sub-Inspector, Pune Rural
• Kalyani Kasode, Assistant Police Inspector, Pune City

The dignitaries formally unveiled the publication, followed by a detailed overview presented by Adv. Hrishikesh Bhosale, Assistant, LADCS, Pune — one of the key contributors. The book represents a collaborative effort involving:

• Adv. Aditya M. Shelar, Assistant, LADCS
• Adv. Hrishikesh Bhosale, Assistant, LADCS
• Smt. Pallavi Kadam, Additional Superintendent, Yerwada Central Jail

Advocating for the Voiceless

Sonal S. Patil, Secretary, DLSA Pune, delivered a passionate keynote address, stating:

“This book is more than an academic tool — it is a voice. A voice for those who sit quietly behind bars, waiting, hoping. Our justice system must not only serve the powerful but reach the invisible. Through this initiative, we extend our hand to those unheard souls and say — ‘You matter. Justice is for you too.’”

Mahendra K. Mahajan, Principal District and Sessions Judge, reinforced this sentiment in his address:

“Justice must not be delayed or denied because someone is poor or voiceless. The Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) is not merely a bureaucratic form — it is a means to restore liberty. We, as custodians of the Constitution, must ensure that justice is swift, equitable, and humane.”

Pallavi Kadam, Deputy Superintendent of Yerwada Central Jail, offered a poignant perspective from the ground:

“Many undertrials are imprisoned not because of guilt, but because they are forgotten. They suffer not only punishment, but neglect. This initiative gives voice to their silence — and offers hope where it’s needed most.”

Widespread Participation

The program witnessed active participation from:

• All District Judges posted at Shivajinagar, Pune
• Officers from the Commissioner of Police offices of PMC and PCMC
• Senior officials from Yerwada Central Jail and Pune Rural Police
• Advocates from the Pune Bar Association
• Law students from leading law colleges across Pune District

A Step Towards Transformative Justice

The launch of “Unlocking Liberty – The UTRC Process & Undertrial Rights” marks a significant milestone in DLSA Pune’s relentless pursuit of timely justice, fair trial rights, and human dignity for all—especially for those silenced by poverty and incarceration.

Through this landmark initiative, DLSA Pune reaffirms its pledge:
“No one shall be denied justice — not by poverty, not by silence, and not by delay.”