The Legal Awareness Programme on the POCSO Act and Prevention of Drug Abuse, organized for the students of JSS Residential School at Suttur Srikshetra, was inaugurated by Shri H. Shashidhar Shetty, Hon’ble District Judge and Member Secretary, Karnataka State Legal Services Authority. Other dignitaries and students are seen in the picture.
Suttur, August 23, 2026: “Legal awareness is necessary for everyone, and every citizen should have basic knowledge of their rights, duties and legal protections,” said Shri H. Shashidhar Shetty, Hon’ble District Judge and Member Secretary, Karnataka State Legal Services Authority, while inaugurating a legal awareness programme organized for the students of JSS Residential School, Suttur.
Addressing the students, Shri Shashidhar Shetty said that lack of knowledge about the law cannot be considered a solution to any problem. He stressed that basic legal awareness is essential for every citizen to understand and protect their rights and discharge their responsibilities.
He informed the students that free legal services are available through the Legal Services Authority. Referring to the increasing problem of substance abuse among youth, he cautioned that many young people are getting trapped in drug addiction and ruining their future. He urged students to stay away from drugs and, if they notice that any of their friends are becoming addicted, to bring the matter to the attention of parents or responsible elders so that timely help can be provided.
He further said that the sale of narcotic substances is a punishable offence. If students receive any information regarding the sale of narcotics, they can call 1933 and lodge a complaint, he said.
Speaking about child protection, Shri Shashidhar Shetty explained that the POCSO Act is in force to protect children from sexual offences. If any behaviour makes a child feel uncomfortable, abnormal or unsafe, it is important to immediately inform responsible parents, teachers or the concerned authorities, he advised.
He also spoke about the importance of protecting childhood, stating that a child’s early years should be meant for education, play, dreams and overall development, and not for marriage. He explained the provisions of the Child Marriage Act and said that, according to law, a woman is eligible for marriage only after attaining the age of 18 years, while a man must have completed 21 years.
Shri Nagaraj Siddappa Ankasadoddy, Senior Civil Judge and Member Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Mysuru, and Assistant Coordinator Shri Veerabhadraiah were present at the programme.
Superintendent Shri Mahadev Prasad welcomed the gathering and compered the programme.
