On Sept.8th i.e. on the feast of our Lady of Velankanni, his Lordship P.Packiaraj the present sitting judge of High Court at Chennai inaugurated the office. The provincial Fr.John Antony, The District Revenue Officer Mr.Sahayam M.A. B.L., The District Judge Mr.M.JeyaPaul, The V.G. of Trichy Diocese Rev.Fr.R.V.Mathias, The Rector of St.Joseph's College, Trichy Fr.Joseph, Mr.Varaprasadam, Advocate, Mr.Stanislaus Advocate and Prof.Varghese Law College, Trichy and Prof.Pitchaipillai Law College, Trichy gave felicitation. We have the ceremonies at 5 p.m. and followed by cultural items.
The main objectives of this centre would be settling cases out of court, through a process of reconciliation, negotiation and arbitration. Conducting seminars on legal provisions so as to empower the powerless. Translating some of the legal provisions in to Tamil so that the common man can read and get to know, helping the dependent in the injury cases, seeking remedies through the court for women and children in a divorced or deserted situation etc are some of the works we will be doing in this centre.
Fr.Santiago the Director of the Udayam Multipurpose Society was the master of ceremonies. The theological college students sang a melodious hymn to the holy spirit and that set the main mood of the function. it was followed by a welcoming dance performed by St.Tresa's karunalayam children at Kattur. Fr.Susai raj who will be assisting me in this legal cell gave the welcome address and he welcomed every one. Immediately after the welcome I was invited to give a explanation about what we will be doing in Clares.
Rev. Fr. M.Jegadhees gave a short explanation comprising the following points: a. we will be doing lot of out of court setttement. b.we do lot of counselling so that normally people do not rush to the police station, court etc. c. we will be conducting lot of seminars on legal provisions.d, we will be assisting the injury cases and get the maximum benefit for the legal heirs. e. we will be bringing out the legal provisions in hand bills and book lets. these are some of the activities of the cell.
Mr.Stanilaus, Advocate spoke the importance of this cell and stated that Fr.Jegadhees is known for taking up of the social issues along with Fr.jacob and I am sure this centre can bring lot of relief to the poor people. Mr.Varaprasadam Advocate said it is a necessity that legal awareness be imparted to the people. Under the leadership of Fr.Jegadhees this Clares will do lot of good things to the people. It is worth mentioning that it is he who gave me the idea of inviting the High Court Judge.
Another dance was performed by the tution centre children and relieved the tension of the audience. Mr.Muthu Krishnan, the president of the advocate association in Trichy promised to lend all the helps we need., Sr.Rosy the principal of the Holy Cross College, Trichy said this center would bring lot of newness and awareness to the suffering masses. Fr.Srinivanan of St.Joseph College represented the institute and he made the remark of necessitiy of legal service to the poor in order to help the poor. Mr.M.JegyaPaul the District Judge wished all the success for the centre and expressed the necessity of legal aid.
Fr.R.V.Mathias insisted upon the necessity of awareness in India and the need for empowerment of the poor so as to help them to find their liberation and mr.U.Sagayam, M.A. B.L, the D.R.O of the District gave a personal experince in Kanchipuram, how he, as an official was threatend by police and other govt.bodies. If an official is threatend how much more the poor people and in such a situation it is the need of the time to empower the powerless. Fr.John Antony spoke on the importance of cooperation and Finally the chief guest gave his presidential address. he spoke on the need for cautious steps and cooperative efforts. He encouraged me and the other priest to go ahead with the work. Fr.Charles proposed the vote of thanks and the function came to an end with the national anthem. your absence was felt other wise every thing went on well.
For more details contact:
Fr.M.Jegadhees
Capuchin Legal Awareness
Research and Educational Services (Clares) Amalashram
Srirangam,P.O.
Trichy-620006, S.India, Tel.0431/432208.
E-mail: mailto:fr_jagadhees@hotmail.com& fr_jagadhees@yahoo.co.in
