Law College Dehradun, Uttaranchal University, successfully organised “वि-सहा-यो” – the 1st National Legal Aid Scheme Drafting Competition, 2026, under the aegis of The Legal Aid Centre. The event aimed at promoting policy-oriented legal research and innovative legal aid solutions. Conducted in online mode, the competition witnessed participation from institutions across India, with students drafting inclusive and practical schemes to enhance access to justice.
The competition was held under the patronage of university leadership and guided by Prof. (Dr.) Poonam Rawat and Mr. Vatsal Chaudhary. Participants were required to design legal aid schemes for vulnerable groups recognized under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, including senior citizens, transgender persons, and HIV/AIDS-affected individuals. Submissions were evaluated on originality, feasibility, legal research, and innovation. The first phase was adjudged by Dr. Ramakant Tripathi. The results of Phase I were declared on 23rd April 2026, with six teams (SC-03, SC-05, SC-11, SC-15, SC-16, SC-17) qualifying for the Final Round.
The Final Round and Valedictory Ceremony were held on 29th April 2026, where participants presented their schemes before an esteemed panel including Smt. Seema Dungarkoti and Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh Bahuguna. The presentations addressed diverse issues such as HIV/AIDS rights, mine-affected communities, ethnic violence, custodial justice, transgender rights, and digital abuse, showcasing strong research and policy innovation.
The winners were: Jay Kumar Gupta, NMIMS University (Winner), Arushi Vijayvargiya, & Shiven Delhi University (First Runner-Up), and Deepali Chanotra & Samia Mirza HP NLU (Second Runner-Up). Cash prizes worth Rs. 20000, trophies, and certificates were awarded accordingly. The event concluded with a Valedictory Ceremony celebrating participants’ achievements and emphasizing the importance of legal aid, innovation, and access to justice, followed by a Vote of Thanks.
