Recognizing the urgent need for justice among the marginalized, six Sisters of St. Ann’s Society, trained in law (LLB), provide vital legal aid and advocacy through their development centers. Since 2009, the Legal Office of St. Ann’s Sisters, located at the Wilhelm Meyer’s Developmental Society in Visakhapatnam, has been a beacon of hope for the poor and the voiceless.
Our legal interventions include:
§ Legal awareness
§ Legal counseling
§ Mediations
§ Legal suit / Suits filed in the court
§ Legal literacy
§ Legal opinion / Legal guidance
Through regular counselling sessions and professional referrals, the Sisters ensure that justice is not a privilege but a right accessible to all—especially the vulnerable and oppressed.
CASES BEING DEALT
Various types of cases dealt so far are
1. 1. Accident cases
2. 2. Family case
a) Maintenance
b) Restitution of conjugal rights
c) Mutual consent divorce
d) Domestic violence cases
e) IPC – 498 A
f) Guardian and adoption
g) Return of dowry
3. 3. Property suits
4. 4. Consumer cases
5. 5. Land disputes
6. 6. Pro Note cases
7. 7. Cheque bounce cases
Impact of Legal Interventions
The legal aid efforts of St. Ann’s Sisters have brought about meaningful and lasting change in the lives of many vulnerable individuals and families:
§ Family Reunification: In several cases, couples on the brink of separation reconciled after counselling, leading to the withdrawal of court suits and restored family harmony.
§ Peaceful Settlements: Complex property, promissory note, and partition disputes were amicably resolved through mediation, avoiding prolonged litigation.
§ Empowered Families: Many families, especially women, now seek legal guidance confidently, equipped with the knowledge and courage to face challenges.
§ Effective Legal Communication: Issuing legal notices has often led to dialogue and compromise, resolving disputes outside the courtroom.
§ Legal Awareness for Women: Regular awareness sessions empower women in Self-Help Groups to understand and exercise their rights effectively.
§ RTI in Action: Women have successfully used the Right to Information Act to address long-pending civic issues.
§ Rights-Based Monitoring: Awareness of the Right to Food Security Act has enabled women to demand accountability from ration shops, Anganwadis, and mid-day meal programs—ensuring better service delivery in their communities.
Through these interventions, the Sisters are not only offering justice but nurturing a more aware, assertive, and just society.
Legal awareness