News & Events

‘Nyaya Deepam’ Vincentian Legal Aid Centre Inaugurated

St. Joseph Province has launched ‘Nyaya Deepam – Vincentian Legal Aid Centre’, a new initiative to provide free legal assistance and guidance to the poor and those in need. The service was inaugurated on the eve of the feast of St. Vincent de Paul at the Vincentian Provincial House, Kottayam, with the motto “Free for the Poor, Accessible to All.”

The initiative aims to make legal assistance more accessible through legal advice, guidance in court-related matters, assistance with government and revenue department applications, and support in matters concerning court appearances. The Centre will also coordinate with suitable advocates according to the needs of individual cases.

As part of its wider mission, the Legal Aid Centre will organise Legal Awareness Camps in schools, colleges, parishes and other institutions and, where necessary, facilitate Mediation Services.

The official logo of the initiative was released by Shri Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, honourable Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly.

Adv. Sheela Thomas, B.A., LL.M., was appointed as the Chief Legal Counsel. With 26 years of legal practice in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, she practises before the Kerala and Madras High Courts and has particular expertise in Land and Property Law, besides Civil, Criminal and other areas of law.

Adv. Fr. Sonu Kannankulam, B.A., LL.B., was appointed as Associate Legal Counsel. He practises before the Kerala High Court and various courts in Ernakulam and has specialised training in POCSO and POSH laws, along with experience in family and civil matters.

The appointment orders to both advocates were handed over by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Thundathikunnel VC, Provincial Superior.

Initially, the Nyaya Deepam Vincentian Legal Aid Centre will function from the Vincentian Provincial House, Kottayam, every Saturday, providing a dedicated point of access for those seeking legal assistance and guidance.

The new initiative is a concrete expression of the Vincentian commitment to justice, compassion and service to those in need, inspired by the spirit of Jesus Christ and the example of St. Vincent de Paul.