On 17 and 18 November, the Tibetan Legal Association (TLA) organized a two-day legal workshop on Indian Criminal Law and the Justice System, with a special focus on laws relating to crimes against women and children, for the Settlement Officers of South and Central India in Dharamsala. This workshop was conducted as a follow-up to the successful training held last year for Settlement Officers of North and Northeast India, further strengthening legal capacity across settlements.
The workshop aimed to enhance the legal knowledge and practical understanding of Settlement Officers, who play a crucial role in addressing legal issues within their respective communities. By strengthening their understanding of criminal laws and procedures, the program sought to improve access to justice, timely intervention, and effective case handling at the settlement level.
The key topics covered during the workshop included:
- Basic knowledge of trial procedures and an overview of the Indian criminal justice system
- The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act
- Laws relating to crimes against women, including the Domestic Violence Act, POSH Act, and the Maternity Benefit Act
- An introduction to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act
- Documentation and compliance requirements under the Foreigners Act and the Passport Act
The sessions were conducted in an interactive and practical manner, incorporating case studies, real-life scenarios, and open discussions. Participants actively engaged throughout the workshop, sharing experiences and raising questions related to legal challenges faced in their settlements.
TLA was honoured to have Mr. Lhaduk la, General Secretary of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission, who delivered an insightful session on the Tibetan Charter and explained the procedures for filing cases before the Local Tibetan Justice Commissions and the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission. His session provided valuable clarity on the functioning of the Tibetan justice system and its coordination with Indian legal mechanisms.
TLA extends its sincere gratitude to the Department of Home, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) for providing this valuable opportunity. We also express our heartfelt thanks to our long-standing supporter, The Tibet Fund, for their continued collaboration and generous support, which made this program possible.
The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening legal awareness, accountability, and community protection across Tibetan settlements. TLA looks forward to continued collaboration and organizing similar capacity-building programs in the future.
