Bhubaneswar, October 10: The Jatani Taluka Legal Services Authority observed World Mental Health Day at Maa Baap Sewa Ashram in Ranipur, Jatani, Odisha, by organising a legal awareness programme to promote the rights of persons with mental illness and intellectual disabilities and highlight the availability of free legal aid.

The programme was held on the occasion of freedom fighter Gopabandhu Das’s birth anniversary and was attended by Debendra Nath Bagh, Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC)-cum-Civil Judge (Junior Division), Jatani, who is also the Chairman of the Jatani Taluka Legal Services Authority.

Addressing the gathering, Judge Debendra Nath Bagh emphasised that the Constitution of India guarantees equal rights to every citizen, irrespective of physical or mental disabilities. He said that persons with disabilities are equally entitled to legal protection and access to justice.

Assuring the residents of Maa Baap Sewa Ashram of the judiciary’s support, Judge Bagh said the Jatani court remains accessible to those in need of legal assistance. He urged anyone facing harassment, abuse or torture to approach the court for help. He further assured them that free legal services would be provided, with panel lawyers and para-legal volunteers extending assistance in legal matters without any cost.

Speaking at the programme, Advocate Sanjay Mohapatra explained the legal provisions and safeguards available to persons with disabilities, particularly those living with mental illness and intellectual disabilities. He highlighted the challenges they often face within the legal system and stressed the importance of effective legal representation in ensuring that their rights are protected and they receive appropriate legal assistance.

Brajabandhu Pradhan, secretary of the Jatani Bar Association, expressed his gratitude to Gautam Maharana, founder of the ashram, along with Jyoti Moharana, Dhiren Chhotary, Narendra Moharana and Panchei Mohanty for their contribution to managing the institution.

Pradhan acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the ashram’s management in providing shelter and care to more than 100 elderly, disabled and distressed people. Despite reportedly receiving no government support, the institution continues its work through the commitment and selfless service of its founder and associates.

Concluding the programme, Pradeep Kumar Subudhi, vice-president of the Jatani Bar Association, thanked Gautam Maharana, Founder of the Ashram, for running the Sewa Ashram for years with dedication and compassion. He praised the founder Gautam Moharana for treating the elderly and persons with disabilities like members of his own family, providing them with care, dignity and a sense of belonging.

Manas Kumar Subudhi, Assistance Public Prosecutor, Suvendu Patnaik, Penal lawyer attended the meeting which underscored the importance of legal awareness, equal access to justice and community support for vulnerable people, while recognising the role of voluntary organisations such as Maa Baap Sewa Ashram in caring for those in need.