Free Legal Aid came to the rescue of Maya Chakraborty, who lived in Khulna city with her ailing husband. For a 51-year-old woman, running a household with an ailing, unemployed husband was difficult. In such a situation, the hope came from the husband’s ancestral property. But Vishnupada Chakraborty, Maya’s brother-in-law, refused to give them a share of the property. Maya and her family are threatened and intimidated even to leave the homestead. Day after day their peaceful life is disrupted due to various threats. In such a situation, Maya approached FAIR Community Legal Service Center (CLSC), Khulna for free legal aid provided by FAIR.

Maya learned about FAIR CLSC during the February 18, 2015 ”Community Outreach Events”. He then filed a written complaint there, which was registered as complaint number KCCWA-0213. After receiving the complaint, the FAIR CLSC team contacted Rupsa Police Station of Khulna and initiated immediate action through mediation efforts. FAIR CLSC and Police Joint Intervention Accused Bishnupad was asked to appear on the scheduled mediation/arbitration date.

On the appointed day, the FAIR CLSC and the police took statements from both parties. After a thorough observation and discussion of all the evidence, it is found that Vishnupad has unjustly deprived Maya and her family of property. A compromise is then made in the presence of all and the dispute is settled amicably. Maya Chakraborty was made aware of her due rights. Maya thanked FAIR for regaining her property rights by CLSC. Currently, Maya is living with her family in her own home without any fear.

Introduction to Free Legal Aid

Free legal aid played an important role in Maya’s story, FAIR CLSC’s intervention not only secured Maya’s home but also restored her sense of rights, security, and dignity.

1. Empowering the Vulnerable: Free legal aid empowers people like Maya, teaching them to protest against powerful opponents.

• Promotion of Justice: FAIR CLSC’s immediate action ensured justice for Maya. Coordination with local authorities has facilitated this process. Helped resolve disputes peacefully and fairly.

• Creating awareness: FAIR CLSC’s publicity has informed Maya and her community. This awareness helps the underprivileged to protest exploitation and claim their rights.

• Enhancing community harmony: The mediation process not only resolved disputes but also helped in mending relationships between families. Through dialogue and understanding, FAIR CLSC promotes harmony between families and society by settling disputes.

Motivational change

Maya’s story, FAIR has served as an inspiration to donors, beneficiaries and stakeholders associated with CLSC. Such programs play an important role in providing free legal aid to individuals and communities. Organizations like FAIR CLSC continue to contribute to social justice, empowerment of innocent people, socio-economic development and beautification by implementing their regular programs.

Conclusion

Free legal aid is a powerful tool for social justice. Which is proved by the story of Maya. Through the efforts of FAIR CLSC, Maya has been able to save her home and lives without fear. Her story shows how free legal aid can bring about positive change in society. Free legal aid provides a beacon of hope to the neglected and marginalized sections of society despite various challenges.

By supporting free legal aid initiatives, we can ensure that justice is within everyone’s reach. The role of free legal aid in building a just and equitable society is immense. Mayer’s victory through FAIR CLSC inspires all such programs.

Note that FAIR, a rights-based development organization, is implementing the Making Women’s Legal Right a Reality in Bangladesh project in Khulna with the financial support of the Community Legal Service Project (UK Aid) in partnership with Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association (BNWLA). The Projects provide free legal aid to victims of violence, especially women, children, ethnic minorities, Dalits, and the poor.

N. B. The photo of the woman used in this story is not original. Created by AI.