In a proactive effort to improve legal literacy and empower grassroots organizations, a special legal aid camp was organized this weekend exclusively for members of registered associations and societies. The event, held at the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) office in Chennai, attracted over 400 participants from welfare associations, cooperatives, resident groups, and cultural societies.

The camp was jointly organized by the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority (TNSLSA), Bar Association volunteers, and civic support NGOs. It provided free consultations on matters such as society registration, dispute resolution, compliance with the Societies Registration Act, filing of annual returns, FCRA obligations, and issues related to membership discrimination.

“Many associations operate without a clear understanding of their legal duties or rights,” said Advocate M. Aravind, one of the lead resource persons. “This camp is about building confidence in the system and preventing legal mishaps through education.”

Participants had access to one-on-one sessions with legal professionals, and attended workshops on common legal problems faced by association office-bearers — such as election disputes, audit irregularities, and member expulsion challenges.

Pamphlets and multilingual handbooks were distributed, offering simplified guides on legal compliance and dispute redressal. Special sessions were also held for women-led societies and youth clubs to address issues of inclusivity and gender justice.

The initiative was praised by attendees. “This was the first time someone explained the law in plain Tamil. Now we know how to protect our society’s interests legally,” said Meenakshi Ravi, secretary of a local cultural group.

Officials confirmed plans to replicate the legal aid model across districts, with follow-up camps scheduled in Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tirunelveli in June and July.