Senior advocate M Shoba has said that just like free legal aid is given to economically weak and women, the Taluk Legal Service Committee will also give legal aid to those who are mentally ill.

She was speaking after inaugurating a workshop as part of World Mental Health Day organised jointly Taluk Legal Aid committee and Advocates’ Association.

Advocates’ Association president B G Krishnappa who presided said, it was important that those who commit crimes due to mental imbalance need legal support and such persons should approach them.

Such programmes should help in bringing about awareness among the people regarding the services the Legal Service Authority gives especially to those who are mentally imbalanced, he said and added that people should make use of these facilities properly.

Principle Civil judge K M Rajashekar and DySP T V Prabhakar spoke. Judge C V Sanath, assistant public prosecutor G Venkatesh and others were present.

District General Hospital medical officer S L Mohankumar who participated as resource person highlighted how to control mental problems and also interacted with the people talking about the mental health act. Advocate Dayanand welcomed.