The Legal Services Clinic of MKPM RV Institute of Legal Studies (RVILS) provides students with practical exposure to legal aid and community outreach activities. Under the guidance of faculty members, students participate in initiatives such as legal awareness programmes, legal aid camps, socio-legal surveys and educational visits to courts and legal institutions.
The Clinic also collaborates with organisations such as the District Legal Services Authority to conduct programmes that promote legal awareness among the public. These activities help students understand how law operates in real social contexts while encouraging a sense of professional responsibility towards access to justice.
Aim
To provide legal aid through human resource, knowledge resource & infrastructural resource to those who need it the most, purely on a pro- bono basis.
Mission
The cell acknowledges its commitment towards fulfilling the institutional social responsibilities adopted by RVILS such as fostering the spirit of national development, instilling sensitivity amongst the youth towards the community, contributing towards knowledge generation and dissemination and promoting ethical and value based learning.
Objectives
- To spread legal awareness amongst the members of the society.
- To organise legal literacy programmes.
- To provide free legal assistance to the socially and economically backward sections.
- To ensure access to judicial system to those have difficulties.
- To enhance the practical and professional skills of our students.
- To work for the review of legal policies and frameworks in assistance to the DLSA.
- To promote sense of moral responsibility pertaining to various legal issues faced by the people.
Services Provided by the Legal Services Clinic
Legal literacy camps and programmes – Members and volunteers take part in 1-day and 7-day camps, and day-to-day programmes, in association with DLSA/KLSA/NALSA, by adopting villages, industries, schools and colleges.
Legal advice – Any person requiring legal advice on any legal matter may approach the Free Legal Aid Cell on college working days, i.e., Monday to Friday between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, and on Saturdays between 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM.
Paralegal services – Our trained members and volunteers render paralegal services by assisting needy clients in drafting legal documents, submitting applications to various government departments and making necessary corrections, representing them in forums such as consumer forums and RTI authorities, and assisting in obtaining senior citizen cards, ration cards and other essential documents.
Amicable settlement of disputes – Through mediation conducted by faculty members and practising advocates, or through Lok Adalats.
Seminars, workshops and training programmes – Arranged to provide training and legal exposure to student members and volunteers of the Cell.
Activities
District Legal Services Authority, Bengaluru Urban
MKPM RV Institute of Legal Studies organised a special lecture on “The Compensation Scheme for Women Victims/Survivors of Sexual Assault and Other Crimes” on the occasion of National Legal Services Day, in association with the District Legal Services Authority, Bengaluru Urban.
Adv. Vanishree R addressed students on the legal remedies, compensation mechanisms and institutional support available to victims and survivors of sexual offences. The session aimed to raise awareness of victim-centric legal provisions and strengthen students’ understanding of access to justice.
The event was attended by Prof. (Dr.) Anjina Reddy K.R., Principal, RVILS. The programme was coordinated by Prof. (Dr.) Hanuma Prakash K.S., Legal Services Clinic Coordinator.
Pick and Speak Competition on World Humanitarian Day
On the occasion of World Humanitarian Day, the Legal Services Clinic of MKPM RV Institute of Legal Studies (RVILS) organised a Pick and Speak Competition for students.
The programme was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Anjina Reddy K.R., Principal, RVILS, who addressed students on the significance of World Humanitarian Day and encouraged participation in activities that promote awareness, communication skills and social responsibility.
The competition witnessed the participation of 22 students from various semesters. Participants picked topics randomly and delivered short speeches, demonstrating critical thinking and public speaking abilities.
Misuse, Illegal and Unauthorised Display of Symbols, Seals, Flags, Emblem and Name of the State Emblem of India
The Legal Services Clinic of MKPM RV Institute of Legal Studies (RVILS) organised a legal awareness programme in association with the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority and the District Legal Services Authority, Bengaluru Urban District. The session addressed the misuse and unauthorised display of National symbols, seals, flags and The State Emblem of India.
The programme discussed the provisions of The State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005. Mr. Aswin K., Assistant Professor, RVILS, explained the legal framework governing the use of national emblems and symbols.
Prof. (Dr.) Anjina Reddy K.R., Principal, RVILS, highlighted the objectives of the legislation and spoke about the significance of the National motto “Satyameva Jayate”, emphasising the importance of responsible and lawful use of national symbols in public and private contexts.
Legal Awareness Programme at Tharalu Grama Panchayat
As part of its community outreach initiatives, the Legal Services Clinic of RVILS organised a legal awareness programme at Tharalu Grama Panchayat, Bengaluru South.
The programme aimed to educate villagers about their legal rights and important welfare legislation. Awareness was created on the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, and the Karnataka Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prohibition of Transfer of Certain Lands) Act, 1978, highlighting protections available to senior citizens and members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
The programme was attended by Sri Bhola Pandit, Senior Civil Judge and Member Secretary, DLSA Bengaluru Rural, as Chief Guest and Sri. Shanmukha, Member, Tharalu Grama Panchayat, as Guest of Honour. The event was presided over by Prof. (Dr.) Anjina Reddy K.R., Principal, RVILS.
Observance of World Mental Health Day
The Legal Services Clinic of RVILS organised a programme in observance of World Mental Health Day 2024 in collaboration with TELE MANAS, NIMHANS. The session focused on promoting awareness about mental health and its significance in personal and professional life.
The speakers engaged students through interactive discussions and activities, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness, early support mechanisms and responsible social engagement.
National Legal Services Day Observance
The Legal Services Clinic and National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit of RVILS observed National Legal Services Day on 9th November, 2024.
The programme featured Shri Shridhar Prabhu, Advocate, Triguna Icon, Bengaluru, as the Chief Guest, who delivered a talk on “Law Students as Vanguards of Legal Services”. In his address, he emphasised the importance of legal services in ensuring access to justice and highlighted the role of law students in promoting legal awareness within society.
Observance of Children’s Day
RVILS observed Children’s Day on 14th November, 2024, at Sri S. Janardhan Government Kannada Higher Primary School, Gurupanna Palya, Bengaluru, as part of its community outreach activities.
The programme was organised by the National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit and presided over by Prof. (Dr.) Anjina Reddy K.R., Principal, RVILS.
Students of the school were presented with gifts including stationery sets, geometry boxes and sweets. RVILS students also interacted with the children through games and engaging activities, creating an enjoyable and meaningful celebration.
Awareness Rally on International Day of the Girl Child
In observance of the International Day of the Girl Child, the Legal Services Clinic of RVILS in association with the District Legal Services Authority, Bengaluru Urban, organised an awareness rally (jatha) on 23rd October, 2024, at Gandhi Bazar, Bengaluru.
The rally was led by 55 student volunteers, along with Prof. (Dr.) Anjina Reddy K.R., Principal, and Ms. Bhavana C., Academic Coordinator and Legal Services Clinic Coordinator, along with faculty members.
The programme began with a floral tribute at the statue of Swami Vivekananda, after which the rally proceeded through Gandhi Bazar to create awareness among the public about the importance of protecting and valuing the girl child. Students raised slogans and interacted with members of the public to promote respect, rights and opportunities for girls in society.
Visit to Amruthavani Vridh Seva Trust – Senior Citizens’ Day
Students of the Legal Services Clinic of RVILS visited Amruthavani Vridh Seva Trust, Banashankari, Bengaluru, in observance of Senior Citizens’ Day 2024.
Final-year student coordinators and volunteers of the clinic interacted with the residents of the home and spent time with them, creating an opportunity for meaningful engagement and social outreach.
The visit was attended by Prof. (Dr.) Anjina Reddy K.R., Principal, along with Ms. Bhavana C., Academic Coordinator and Legal Services Clinic Coordinator, Mrs. Shilpa B.P., Legal Services Clinic Coordinator, and other faculty members
World Environment Day – 2024
RVILS observed World Environment Day 2024 at Mangala Mantapa, RVILS.
In association with:
- Karnataka State Legal Services Authority
- High Court Legal Services Authority
- District Legal Services Authority, Bengaluru Urban
- Advocates’ Association, Bengaluru
The programme was inaugurated by Hon’ble Shri Justice K. Somashekar, Judge, High Court of Karnataka.
Guests of Honour:
- Shri Vivek Subba Reddy, President, Advocates’ Association, Bengaluru
- Shri M. L. Raghunath, District Judge & Member Secretary, Karnataka State Legal Services Authority
- Shri Muralidhara Pai B., Principal City Civil & Sessions Judge & Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, Bengaluru Urban
The programme was presided over by Dr M.P. Shyam, President, RVEI, in the presence of Prof. (Dr.) Anjina Reddy K.R., Principal, RVILS.
As part of the observance, saplings were planted on the campus to promote environmental awareness and sustainability.
Educational Visit to Lok Adalat
Students of the VIII Semester B.A. LL.B. and B.B.A. LL.B. programmes visited the Lok Adalat, Bengaluru, as part of an educational initiative organised by the Legal Services Clinic of RVILS.
During the visit, students had the opportunity to observe the proceedings of the Lok Adalat, gaining practical exposure to alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and understanding how disputes are settled through conciliation and compromise.
Educational Visit to Central Jail
Students of the X Semester B.A. LL.B. and B.B.A. LL.B. programmes visited the Central Jail, Bengaluru, as part of an educational initiative organised by the Legal Services Clinic of RVILS.
The visit enabled students to observe the functioning of the prison administration and its various departments, providing them with insight into the operational aspects of the criminal justice system.
Awareness Initiatives on Environmental Conservation and Child Protection Laws
Two awareness programmes were organised on the themes “A Lake for Every Town – A Forest for Every Town” and “Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Laws” as part of a legal awareness initiative.
The programme was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Anjina Reddy K.R., Principal, RVILS, in the presence of Mr. Arun S., Assistant Professor and Programme Coordinator.
The awareness sessions were conducted at Government First Grade College, Jayanagar, and Yediyur Lake, Bengaluru, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority, with the objective of educating the public on environmental responsibility and legal protections relating to child safety.
One-Day Legal Aid Camp and Socio-Legal Survey at Thattaguppe Village
A one-day Legal Aid Camp and socio-legal survey was organised by the Legal Services Clinic of RVILS at Thattaguppe Village, Taralu Gram Panchayat, Bengaluru South.
The initiative was led by Mr. Arun S., Assistant Professor of Law, and Mr. Shyam Prasad, Assistant Professor of Law, along with 31 student volunteers from the institution.
During the programme, the team conducted a survey to identify socio-legal issues faced by residents of the village and provided basic legal guidance and awareness on relevant legal rights and remedies.
Educational Visit to District Legal Services Authority and Observation of National Lok Adalat
Students of the VIII Semester B.A. LL.B. and B.B.A. LL.B. programmes visited the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Bengaluru, as part of an educational initiative organised by the Legal Services Clinic of RVILS.
During the visit, students observed the proceedings of the National Lok Adalat conducted on the same day, gaining direct exposure to the functioning of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
The students also had the opportunity to interact with Hon’ble Justice Balagopala Krishna, Addl. City Civil and Sessions Judge, Bengaluru, who spoke about the importance and role of Lok Adalats in ensuring accessible and speedy justice.