This project targets transgender persons, women and girls, SC & ST communities, gender and sexual minorities, and persons with disabilities, and, all of whom have historically faced social exclusion, discrimination, and lack of access to education, healthcare, and employment.
Recognizing this, the State has enacted laws such as the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. However, many individuals remain unaware of their rights and face barriers in accessing legal services, including lack of resources, awareness of legal aid, and affordable legal representation.
The Constitution Defenders Project aims to enhance access to justice for these vulnerable groups in across India through:
- Constitution Defender Fellowship: Young lawyers will undertake a 2.75-year fellowship to provide legal representation, and offer specialized legal assistance.
CLPR will mentor, support, and build the capacities of this cadre of Constitutional Defender Fellows in a sustained manner to ensure that vulnerable groups have access to high-quality and effective legal services, thereby significantly improving their access to justice.