DPDF
The Legal Aid Centre is an initiative of the DHAN Panchayat Development Foundation (DPDF) aimed at bridging the gap between rural communities and the justice system. The Centre works to ensure that the poor and marginalised—especially women, and other vulnerable groups—have access to timely, affordable, and appropriate legal support.
Our Purpose
To create legally empowered communities that can claim their rights, protect their entitlements, and seek redress through democratic means.
Key Services and Activities
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Legal Awareness Campaigns
Educating citizens on their legal rights, entitlements, and available grievance redress mechanisms through community meetings, street plays, pamphlets, and audio-visual tools.
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Legal Aid Clinics
Organising mobile and static legal clinics in village Panchayats with the support of legal practitioners, para-legal volunteers, and community leaders.
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Support for Accessing Justice
Facilitating access to legal aid for civil matters (land, housing, pensions, domestic violence, etc.) and guiding citizens through application, documentation, and follow-up processes.
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Capacity Building of Local Leaders and Functionaries
Training Panchayat leaders, SHG members, and field staff on legal procedures, RTI, women’s rights, and grievance handling at the local level.
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Collaborations with Legal Institutions
Partnering with Legal Services Authorities, law colleges, and district-level judicial systems to ensure wider and deeper outreach.
Why It Matters
Lack of legal awareness and access often leaves rural citizens voiceless in the face of injustice. The Legal Aid Centre stands as a support system—enabling the poor to understand the law, seek help, and act with confidence.
Currently we have active legal aid centres in 13 locations – Alanganallur, Andipatti, Bodi,Chinnamanur, Kadamalaikundu, Kariapatti, Kullanchavadi, Palamedu, Parangipettai,Pondicherry, Seerkazhi, Srimushnam, and Tirukazhukundram.
For support, partnerships, or volunteering, write to us at dhandpdf@dhan.org.