iProbono

WTI has received valuable legal assistance from iProbono's network of lawyers for various projects, contributing to their wildlife and environmental conservation efforts. In March 2021, WTI sought advice on FCRA compliance, which was provided by lawyer Rashni Jahani. Additionally, iProbono offered legal assistance for an ongoing marketing collaboration and GST/tax matters, respectively. In May 2021, iProbono lawyers provided guidance on professional tax and ESIC queries to WTI.

Drinkwell, an organisation addressing the global water crisis, sought legal assistance to develop franchise models in arsenic-affected areas of Bangladesh. iProbono connected them with lawyers from Sadat Sarwat and Associates who provided comprehensive support in English and Bangla, enabling the transfer of water purification knowledge to local communities. Through this collaboration, Drinkwell expanded its operations, mitigated arsenic-related diseases, and offered income opportunities to rural populations across Bangladesh.

iProbono introduced a series of workshops to raise awareness about securing the financial rights of helpless beneficiaries through estate planning. The positive response led to requests from organisations working with such beneficiaries for more workshops in different Indian cities. Collaborating with civil society organisations (CSOs) and lawyers from iProbono's network, the workshops addressed succession planning and legal queries of parents and guardians of children with autism and developmental disabilities. Partnering with organisations like Take a Break Respite Care, J. Sagar Associates, Social Awareness Advocacy & Development Foundation, AZB & Partners, Social Outreach Cell, and Mehta & Padamsey law firm, the workshops attracted enthusiastic participation from parents and families, providing valuable information on estate planning and addressing their specific concerns.

Law students play a crucial role in society as future legal professionals and policymakers. Recognizing their significance, iProbono has partnered with Indian law universities to offer training courses on child rights laws. These courses complement the regular curriculum, providing students with valuable knowledge and the opportunity to engage with professionals in the child protection sector. The recently conducted sessions, titled 'Certificate Course on Laws Relating to Children – In Theory and Practice,' covered relevant laws, practical exercises, and insights into working on child rights issues. Led by experienced lawyers from iProbono, the sessions included topics such as the POCSO and Juvenile Justice Acts, stages of a trial, victims' counsel roles, and bail procedures. The aim is to equip students with the skills and understanding needed to advocate for change and address challenges faced by vulnerable communities.

In a session titled 'Victims Counsel in POCSO trials - A Review Across States,' legal practitioners from different states came together to discuss the role of victims' counsel under the POCSO Act. The panel, consisting of lawyers from iProbono, explored crucial steps taken by victims' counsel at different trial stages and shared insights on child-friendly court procedures followed in their respective jurisdictions. It emphasized the importance of legal representation for child victims, including filing for compensation, opposing bail applications, assisting during testimony recording, and final arguments. While some states acknowledged the significance of this role, others questioned the participation of victims' counsel. The panel also provided administrative recommendations, such as separate court hours for child witnesses, uniform procedures for travel reimbursement, accessible lavatories, and sensitivity training for stakeholders dealing with sexual abuse cases.