Pro Bono Legal Service Club

Mar Gregorios College of Law

Joins the Department of Justice's Nyaya Bandhu Pro Bono Club Scheme

Mar Gregorios College of Law (MGCL), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is committed to strengthening access to justice through its engagement with the Department of Justice, Government of India, under the Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services) Programme. Through its proposed Pro Bono Legal Services Club, the institution seeks to integrate legal education with community engagement, promote a culture of voluntary legal service among students, and contribute to the delivery of justice to marginalised and vulnerable sections of society.

The Nyaya Bandhu Programme

With the objective of ensuring the last-mile delivery of justice under the Digital India initiative, the Department of Justice launched the Nyaya Bandhu Programme in April 2017. The initiative seeks to connect practising advocates willing to provide pro bono legal services with eligible beneficiaries from disadvantaged communities through a technology-enabled platform.

Recognising the importance of involving law students in this endeavour, the Department introduced the Pro Bono Club Scheme in June 2020 to institutionalise student participation in legal aid, community outreach, and access-to-justice initiatives.

Our Vision at MGCL

In furtherance of this vision, the Pro Bono Legal Services Club at Mar Gregorios College of Law aims to cultivate a strong sense of social responsibility among law students and prepare them to become active contributors to the justice delivery system.

The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between legal education and the practical needs of communities by combining legal research, litigation support, public legal awareness, and community-based interventions.

“Justice is not a privilege, it is a right.”

1. Pro Bono Litigation Assistance

The Club will facilitate legal research, drafting, documentation, and other forms of litigation support to practising advocates registered under the Nyaya Bandhu Programme.

Student volunteers will assist advocates in preparing case materials, conducting legal research, and undertaking other tasks that contribute to the effective representation of eligible beneficiaries, under appropriate professional supervision.

2. Community-Based Legal Assistance and Awareness

The Club will organise legal awareness programmes, community outreach initiatives, and legal literacy sessions in identified villages and underserved areas.

Mobile legal aid initiatives and collaborations with District Legal Services Authorities, local bodies, and civil society organisations will further strengthen its outreach.

3. Legal Research, Documentation and Reporting

The Club will develop Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials addressing contemporary legal issues and the legal concerns of vulnerable communities.

It will also maintain records of activities, document significant pro bono interventions, compile success stories, and publish periodic newsletters to disseminate information on legal developments and the impact of its initiatives.

4. Promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution

Recognising the importance of accessible, affordable, and participatory dispute resolution, the Club will promote awareness of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, including mediation, negotiation, and conciliation.

Training programmes, client counselling exercises, and interviewing competitions will be organised to strengthen the practical skills of Pro Bono Associates and prepare them for community-oriented legal practice.

5. Recognition and Encouragement of Pro Bono Services

The Club will endeavour to establish a system of recognition for student volunteers, faculty members, and practising advocates who make significant contributions to its activities.

Awards, certificates, and other forms of institutional appreciation will encourage sustained participation and reinforce the values of professional ethics, public service, and social responsibility.