A draft of amendments to the Punjab Legal Aid Rules has been approved, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Wednesday.
After approval, scope of free legal aid for deserving individuals in Punjab has been expanded.
According to documents, free legal assistance to be available for disputes regarding inheritance, property ownership, and illegal eviction.
Legal aid in property-related cases to be provided to individuals lacking financial resources.
Legal assistance to be available for women in matters of marriage, divorce, maintenance, and child custody.
Legal aid to be provided to women facing domestic violence and deprivation of inheritance rights.
Citizens to receive legal guidance via helpline, video calls, online portals, and mobile apps.
Eligible individuals will be able to submit legal aid applications from the comfort of their homes.
Courts, investigating officers, prosecutors, and prison authorities authorized to inform eligible individuals about legal aid.
Procedures established for the selection and performance monitoring of legal aid lawyers.
At least 10 percent of lawyers on each panel to be women, subject to the availability of qualified applicants.
According to authorities, rules being formulated for the fair distribution of cases and transparent fee payments among lawyers.
Proposed amendments will not impose an additional financial burden on the government.
Proposed amendments have already been approved by the Standing Committee.
Government has approved the Standing Committee's recommendations.
Reporter: Ali Ramay