Internship Experience @ District Legal Service Authority, Bhopal

This Internship Experience has been submitted by Swarnika Saxena.

Name

Swarnika Saxena

Name of the College

Sage University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Name of the Organisation

District Legal Service Authority. District Court Complex, Arera Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh – 462001.

Duration of Internship

Jan 29, 2024- Feb 19, 2024

How did you apply?

I applied for the internship by visiting the DLSA office in Bhopal. The process was simple yet formal, as I had to fill out an application form, attach a recommendation letter from my college, and submit it for verification. A few days later, I received a confirmation call marking the beginning of my internship journey.

First-Day Formalities, Infrastructure, and First Impression

On the first day, I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. Ten interns from various law colleges were present, and we were warmly welcomed by the Chairman, Mr Sanjay Pal Singh Bundela, and his legal team, including Chief Reena Verma, Deputy Chief Arvind Kumar Singh, and legal aid defense counsels Syed Riyaz Hasan, Mukesh Gour, Shreyas Saxena, and Abhishek Dwivedi. Their professionalism and approachability immediately created an inspiring environment. The office was very clean and comforting. There is a different space for interns and separate cabins for the other members of the LADCS.

Main Tasks

The next day, we visited the District and Sessions Court to observe criminal court proceedings. For me, it was the first time stepping into a courtroom as a budding lawyer rather than a mere spectator. I attended the chief examination of a witness guided by my senior counsel. Later, I studied the corresponding case file, which made me realize how different real practice is from what we study in textbooks.

The courtroom had its own rhythm, the precise language of advocates, the attentive silence, and the dignity of the judge’s chair. I observed how facts, evidence, and emotions converge to form justice. It was in that moment that I realized law is not only about intellect; it is also about human understanding and moral reasoning. The next task was research on various topics related to criminal procedure.

My senior advised me on the importance of communication and networking in the legal profession. He encouraged me to ask questions fearlessly and never hesitate to seek clarity. He also emphasized courtroom etiquette, discipline, and time management, which are as vital as legal knowledge itself. These lessons were small in appearance but carried immense long-term value.

Gradually, as I interacted more with the legal aid defense counsels, my confidence grew. We were divided into small teams to observe proceedings under different counsels. We read case files, analyzed defense strategies, and tried to comprehend how arguments are built in criminal trials. Each day brought new insights and sharpened my analytical thinking.

Work Environment

Throughout this internship, my understanding of law underwent a transformation. I entered the DLSA as a student eager to learn about legal procedures, but I left as a more empathetic and socially conscious law aspirant.
I learned that:

• Law is not limited to statutes and judgments; it is a living mechanism to balance rights and responsibilities.
• Communication, discipline, and observation are as important as legal reasoning.
• Justice is not always served in courtrooms; sometimes, it begins in counselling rooms, shelters, and juvenile homes.
• Rehabilitation is the truest form of justice, for it restores dignity to those society has abandoned.

This internship strengthened my commitment to use the law for social upliftment and equal justice. “Law is not about winning arguments; it’s about restoring balance.

Good Things about the Internship

The most enriching part of my internship was the institutional visits, where we observed how different legal and welfare institutions operate in coordination with DLSA. These visits offered a 360-degree understanding of how law touches various aspects of human life.

Visit to Central Jail, Bhopal

Rehabilitation Over Retribution: Our first visit was to the Central Jail, Bhopal, where we were guided by Inspector Harish Arya. He explained how prisoners engage in productive work through industries such as fabrication, painting, carpentry, handloom, printing, and motor binding. I was deeply moved to see the creativity and dedication with which inmates crafted furniture, art pieces, and other items. Their art reflected emotion, regret, and hope all at once.

We visited the kitchen (rasoi ghar), which was surprisingly clean and well-managed. I was impressed to learn about the nutritional rules – undertrial prisoners receive six chapatis daily, while working inmates receive eight, symbolizing the dignity of labour. The Saraswati Kala Evam Sangeet Vidyalaya inside the jail allows prisoners to express themselves through music, and we were fortunate to witness a live performance.

This visit changed my perception of prisons. I began to see them not as places of punishment but as centers of rehabilitation. The government’s efforts to maintain hygiene, provide education, and encourage art and reading reflected a humane approach to justice.

Visit to Mahila Thana, Bhopal

Our second visit was to the Mahila Thana (Parivar Paramarsh Kendra) at Jahangirabad, Bhopal. We met Assistant Sub-Inspector Umashankar Mishra, who explained how the thana works to address cases of domestic violence, dowry, and marital disputes. We also met Counsellor Kalpana Vijay Wargi, who conducts counselling sessions free of cost.

Her words left a lasting impression on me: “Sometimes justice begins with understanding, not punishment.” She told us that most cases are resolved within three counselling sessions; only unresolved ones proceed to court. The thana also had special facilities for children and physically challenged women. There was a registration room, vivechak room, paramarsh datri, and Kilkari – a room specially designed for the kids whose parents are participating in counselling. This visit revealed the emotional side of legal processes and the importance of empathy in resolving family conflicts.

Visit to Police Commissionerate, Bhopal

At the Commissionerate Office, we were guided by K.K. Gawalay Sir, who explained the hierarchical structure and functioning of the police administration. Bhopal is divided into four zones, each under a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and comprising 42 police stations. We learned about the roles of DCP (Crime), DCP (Intelligence), DCP (Traffic), and DCP (Headquarters). Observing how law and order are maintained systematically gave me a better understanding of policing as a branch of public administration.

Visit to Bal Grah Balika

Next, we visited Bal Grah Balika, a home for girls aged 6–18 years who need care and protection. The institution provides not only shelter but also education, vocational training, and healthcare. Superintendent Akansha Ma’am briefed us and explained the classification between CCL (Children in Conflict with Law) and CNCP (Children in Need of Care and Protection).

The girls there were cheerful, studying, learning computers, tailoring, and even beauty courses. I felt an overwhelming sense of admiration for the staff who dedicate their lives to nurturing these children. The state provides ₹3000 per month per child, which ensures their sustenance. Visiting Bal Grah reminded me that law is not just about litigation but also about protection and welfare.

Visit to Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Bhopal

At the CWC, we met officials from diverse fields like law, psychology, and social work. The committee, constituted under Section 27 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, is responsible for decisions regarding the care, protection, and rehabilitation of children.

We learned about Shishu Grah for infants aged 0–6 months, and how adoption procedures are legally processed. It was enlightening to see how carefully every step of a child’s rehabilitation or adoption is handled. The seriousness of their work made me appreciate the compassion hidden within legal frameworks.

Visit to Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa Home)

This visit was both heartwarming and heart-breaking. The Missionaries of Charity, established in 2004, houses 35 differently-abled children. We met Jamuna Ma’am and the superintendent, who explained that the home operates through missionary funding, though the children are referred by the CWC.

Seeing children with disabilities smiling, learning, and living with dignity reminded me how crucial social service is to the soul of law. However, hearing that 90% of their parents never visit them left me deeply emotional. It reinforced my belief that law must work hand in hand with humanity.

Visit to One Stop Centre – Gaurvi Sakhi

The Gaurvi Sakhi One Stop Centre, established in 2014 with the support of ActionAid NGO, provides holistic support to women facing violence or abuse. Ashwini Upadhyay Ma’am briefed us on how the Centre offers counselling, temporary shelter, medical aid, and legal assistance under one roof.

I was impressed by their follow-up system, where women are contacted 15 days after counselling to ensure their well-being. The Centre even coordinates with police stations for FIR filing and medical evidence collection in sexual assault cases. The integration of legal aid with psychological and social support is an example of how law can truly empower women.

Visit to Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), Bhopal

Our final visit was to the Juvenile Justice Board, where we met Dr. Kripa Shankar Choubey, one of the members. He explained the procedures under the Juvenile Justice Act, emphasizing that children in conflict with the law must never be handcuffed or forced to sign statements.

We discussed observation homes, bail conditions, and after-care institutions for rehabilitated juveniles. Later, we visited the Observation Home at C.I. Colony, Jahangirabad, which housed 36 juveniles, most of them aged 17 and above. They cooked, studied, and engaged in recreational activities like music and indoor games.

This visit deeply affected me – seeing young boys confined not as criminals but as individuals capable of reform was a poignant reminder of the power of rehabilitation. The discussion about post-Nirbhaya Act amendments also helped me understand how laws evolve through social change.

Bad Things about the Internship

I personally did not find anything negative about my internship. Everything was good, whether it was the office, the counsels, or their other facilities like the washroom.

Monthly Stipend

It was an unpaid internship.

Details about the Accommodation, Commuting to the Office

I travelled with my own vehicle.

Accommodation in Bhopal is very safe, secure, and pocket-friendly, including food and travel expenses with the city buses.

Maharana Pratap Nagar Zones 1 and 2 are the best areas for hostel/PG facilities and exotic foods. DLSA is situated near the District Court, Bhopal, which makes it more convenient for interns as they do not need to travel far for court proceedings from the office.

Anything else you want to share?

When my internship ended, I prepared a detailed report and presented it before the Chairman, who later issued my certificate. But beyond certificates or resumes, this internship gave me something far greater: a purpose.

I realized that a good lawyer must not only know the law but also understand people, their struggles, fears, and hopes. Every visit, from the Central Jail to the One Stop Centre, taught me that justice is not merely a legal concept but a moral calling.

Internships like these are the bridges between classrooms and the real world. They remind us that the law is alive, breathing through the stories of those it serves. For me, this experience was not just an academic exercise; it was a journey of awakening. I now aspire to work in areas where I can contribute to making justice accessible, compassionate, and inclusive.

In essence, the DLSA internship has shaped not just my knowledge but my vision as a future lawyer, one who believes that every case, every person, and every institution has a story, and that the true duty of law is to ensure those stories end with justice. I began this journey as a student of law; I ended it as a believer in justice. I now see law not as a profession, but as a responsibility: to serve, to protect, and to uplift.