Community Legal Aid Saves Maya Chakraborty from Property Dispute

Community legal aid played a crucial role in Maya Chakraborty’s life, helping her regain her rightful property and ensuring her security. Maya, a 51-year-old woman from Khulna city, was living with her ailing husband and facing the overwhelming challenge of managing a household with an unemployed, sick partner. Life became even harder for Maya, but the hope came from an unexpected source—the husband’s ancestral property.

The Struggle for Property Rights

Unfortunately, Maya’s brother-in-law, Vishnupada Chakraborty, denied her family their rightful share of the property. Maya and her family were not only deprived of their property but were also threatened and intimidated, even being told to leave their home. The constant threats disrupted their peaceful life, leading Maya to seek help.

Introducing the Intervention

It is worth noting that Friends Association for Integrated Revolution (FAIR), in collaboration with BNWLA and Community Legal Services, is implementing the Making Women Legal Rights a Reality in Bangladesh project in Khulna City Corporation. Under this project, FAIR has established 4 Community Legal Service Centers (CLSCs) in Khulna, through which legal assistance is provided to marginalized women at no cost.

Seeking Help: The Role of Community Legal Aid

In such a dire situation, Maya turned to FAIR Community Legal Service Center (CLSC), Khulna, which provides community legal aid to marginalized individuals like her. Maya first learned about FAIR CLSC through a Community Outreach Event held on February 18, 2015. After hearing about their services, she filed a complaint, which was registered as KCCWA-0213.

Fair Intervention and Legal Support

FAIR CLSC immediately took action, reaching out to the Rupsa Police Station in Khulna. Mediation efforts were initiated to resolve the property dispute. Vishnupada was summoned to attend the mediation session, where both the police and FAIR CLSC jointly intervened to facilitate a fair process.

A Peaceful Resolution

On the scheduled day, statements were taken from both parties, and after thoroughly examining the evidence, it was found that Vishnupad had wrongfully deprived Maya and her family of their property. A compromise was made in the presence of all parties, and the dispute was resolved amicably. Maya Chakraborty was made aware of her rights, and with the help of community legal aid, she regained her property. Maya is now living peacefully in her home, free from fear.

The Impact of Community Legal Aid

• Empowering the Vulnerable: Community legal aid empowers individuals like Maya to stand up against powerful adversaries and reclaim their rights.
• Ensuring Justice: The prompt action taken by FAIR CLSC and their coordination with local authorities ensured Maya received timely justice.
• Creating Awareness: Through community outreach programs, FAIR CLSC has educated Maya and her community about their legal rights, enabling them to assert their rights.
• Promoting Harmony: The mediation process not only resolved the dispute but also helped restore relationships between family members, fostering community harmony.

Motivational Change and Support

Maya’s story has inspired donors, beneficiaries, and stakeholders associated with FAIR CLSC. It highlights the significant role of community legal aid programs in ensuring social justice and empowering vulnerable populations.

Conclusion: Legal Aid’s Transformative Power

The story of Maya Chakraborty proves that community legal aid is an essential tool for securing social justice. Thanks to FAIR CLSC, Maya was able to protect her rights and restore her peace of mind. This story showcases the immense impact community legal aid can have on transforming lives, even in the most challenging situations. By supporting FAIR CLSC and similar initiatives, we can ensure that justice is accessible to all.

Call to Action

If you or someone you know is facing similar issues, reach out to FAIR CLSC today for community legal aid that can help protect your rights and provide the support you deserve.

N.B.: This success story is of a beneficiary of the project, but the image used is created by AI and not of the actual beneficiary.