Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Raipur, organized a One-Day Awareness Workshop on “Protection of Prisoners’ Human Rights” at the Central Jail, Raipur, on Monday, 6th October 2025. The initiative was held under the aegis of the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, as part of HNLU’s sustained commitment to community engagement and promoting access to justice.
The workshop aimed to sensitize inmates about their fundamental rights and legal entitlements guaranteed under the Constitution of India, the Prisons Act, the Model Prison Manual, and the recently enacted Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Faculty members and student associates of the HNLU Pro Bono Club, along with officials from DLSA Raipur, led interactive sessions covering key aspects of legal aid, justice, and rehabilitation.
Dr. Parvesh Rajput, Faculty Coordinator, HNLU Pro Bono Club, emphasized the importance of legal literacy as a tool for empowerment and reform is a crucial part of the outreach efforts and the workshop held is a demonstration of the dedicated efforts of students of the Pro Bono Club. Vice-Chancellor Dr. (Prof.) V.C. Vivekanandan, commended the efforts of the Club continues to bridge legal education with social responsibility through direct outreach and service initiatives.
As part of the workshop, HNLU’s Pro Bono Associates presented a Nukkad Natak (Street Play) within the jail premises, portraying the struggles, rights, and aspirations of prisoners during and after incarceration. The performance creatively depicted themes of human dignity, legal awareness, and rehabilitation, reinforcing the message that imprisonment is not an end but an opportunity for reflection and reform. Through powerful performances and dialogues, students highlighted the process of reintegration into society, the role of family and community support, and the legal safeguards ensuring humane treatment and rehabilitation.
The initiative deeply resonated with both inmates and officials, sparking meaningful reflection and discussion. The University extended its gratitude to the District Legal Services Authority, Raipur, and the Central Jail Administration for their invaluable support in making the event a success.
Marked by vibrant engagement, reformative dialogue, and legal awareness, the workshop reaffirmed HNLU’s mission to nurture socially conscious legal professionals and extend the reach of justice to every segment of society — even beyond the prison walls.