The Human Rights Committee of St. Joseph’s College of Law in collaboration with Justice Initiative organised a three-day Human Rights Workshop from 24 November 2025 to 26 November 2025. The workshop aimed to provide students with practical exposure to key justice and child-protection institutions, thereby enabling them to understand the functioning of these bodies beyond the academic curriculum. Through institutional visits, interactive sessions, and reflective discussions, the programme sought to enhance students’ knowledge, observational skills, and awareness of human rights mechanisms in India.

The workshop commenced with an orientation session led by representatives from Justice Initiative. The briefing introduced students to the structural and procedural aspects of the criminal justice system. Particular emphasis was placed on the functioning of the Sessions Court, the preparation and significance of the charge sheet, and the hierarchical framework of the police administration. Resource persons also provided an overview of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), its mandate and its responsibilities under the Juvenile Justice Act.

The session was interactive, allowing students to pose questions and engage with the resource team. Discussions touched upon procedural delays, institutional challenges, and the practical application of statutory provisions. This introductory session laid a strong conceptual foundation for the field visits scheduled for the following day and oriented the students towards informed and structured observation.

Date: 25 November 2025

Venues: Juvenile Justice Board / Child Welfare Committee / Police Station and Sessions Court and Magistrate Court

On the second day, students were divided into three groups, each accompanied by student coordinators, for field visits to three distinct institutions crucial to justice delivery and child protection.

The first group visited the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) where students observed procedures concerning children in conflict with the law. They interacted with officials, probation officers, and social workers to understand the rehabilitative framework of the Juvenile Justice Act and the challenges associated with ensuring child-sensitive adjudication.

The second group visited the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) where they observed proceedings involving children in need of care and protection. Students gained insight into case intake processes, documentation methods, inquiry mechanisms, and the immediate steps taken to secure the well-being of vulnerable children. Discussions with committee members, staff, visitors, parents and visiting professionals highlighted both the strengths and constraints of the institution.

The third group visited a police station and the Sessions Court, where they observed the administrative, investigatory, and adjudicatory aspects of the criminal justice process. Students engaged with police personnel, court clerks, and legal practitioners to understand how cases progress from complaint registration to trial. The visit offered a realistic view of procedural functioning, institutional workload, and the role of various stakeholders in maintaining due process.

Through these visits, students were able to witness the practical application of legal provisions, understand systemic challenges, and critically analyse the interface between statutory ideals and operational realities.

The final day of the workshop was dedicated to structured reflection and consolidated learning. Students returned to the Indian Social Institute, where they engaged in a comprehensive discussion on their observations from the field visits. Participants shared insights, identified recurring issues across institutions, and reflected on the gaps between legal mandates and institutional practice. This reflective exercise encouraged critical thinking and enhanced the pedagogical value of the workshop. Following the reflection session, resource persons from Justice Initiative conducted thematic sessions on the functioning of the prison system, the police system, and the magistracy. These sessions highlighted the interconnected nature of these institutions and provided an overview of their day-to-day operational responsibilities. Students gained a deeper understanding of institutional coordination, procedural safeguards, and the broader human rights concerns embedded in the justice delivery framework.

The Human Rights Workshop successfully achieved its objective of providing meaningful experiential learning to students of St. Joseph’s College of Law. Through guided institutional visits, interactive sessions, and reflective exercises, the programme offered participants a comprehensive understanding of justice and child-protection mechanisms in practice. The collaboration with Justice Initiative greatly enriched the learning experience and contributed to fostering socially responsible, informed, and critically engaged future legal professionals.