INTERNSHIP DIARY

AY 2024-2025

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the internship requirements

stipulated by University for the award of Five-Year Integrated Law Degree

Period: 20 – 06 – 2025 to 20 -07 – 2025

DISTRICT LEGAL SERVICE AUTHORITY, MADURAI

Submitted By:

VARSHINI S
126087046
4th YEAR – [Link].B [Hons]

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

S. NO. CONTENT PAGE NO

1. DECLARATION BY THE STUDENT 3

2. WEEKLY OVERVIEW OF INTERNSHIP 4

ACTIVITIES
3. DAILY LOG SHEET 8

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 DECLARATION BY THE STUDENT

I, Varshini S, bearing Register Number - 126087046, hereby declare that this Internship
Diary is a Bonafide record of the work carried out by me during my internship at District
Legal Service Authority Madurai, for the period from [20 – 06 - 2025] to [20 – 07 – 2025].
This diary has been prepared by me and is submitted in partial fulfilment of the internship
requirements prescribed by the Bar Council of India (BCI) for the award of the Five-Year
Integrated Law Degree Programme at School of Law, SASTRA Deemed to be University.

Place: Madurai
Date: 19 - 07 – 2025

Signature of the student

S. VARSHINI

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 WEEKLY OVERVIEW OF INTERNSHIP ACTIVITIES

WEEK ONE

DATE WORK UDERTAKEN

At the first day of my internship, I came to know as a intern what are

the opportunities can I seek namely; • Observe real-time legal aid
cases, • Attend Lok Adalat proceedings, • Assist in legal awareness
20 – 06 – 2025 drives, and • Understand how access to justice is facilitated for
underprivileged groups. Also had a brief discussion about the
functioning of NALSA and Lok Adalat. And organising paralegal
volunteers to function as social worker.

I was introduced to various important legal and administrative

procedures carried out by the District Legal Services Authority
21 – 06 – 2025 (DLSA), the session covered about the PCR [protection of civil
rights] act of 1955. This mainly focus on the directorate of welfare of
schedule caste and backward classes. TANPID [ Tamil Nadu
protection Interest of depositors] financial establishment act of 1997
Types of court – court for mines and minerals which deals with
23 – 06 – 2025 NDPS case. Mahila court which deals with grievous hurt and 7years
of imprisonment. History of Juvenile justice act was taught. The act
was given more importance after the NIRBAYA CASE in 2012.
On this day I saw two petitions and one petition was for appointment
of free advocate to get bail, and the other is for petition regarding the
removal of encroachment on public highway.
Form 5- petitioner to come to represent the case
24 – 06 – 2025
Form 6- summons for the respondent.
And also, I discussed about the case law
LATHA Vs. STATE OF TAMILNADU

On this day I learned about the NDPS [narcotic drugs and

psychotropic substances] act 1987. As per this act based on the
quantity the punishment changes, 1kg – small quantity; 1 -20kg –
25 – 06 – 2025 intermediate; 20kg above – commercial quantity. And also, I learned
about the basis of civil cases while filing in court as per the civil
procedure code and the essentials of drafting – surety memo, 311
petition and bail.

I learned about the hierarchy of Tamil Nadu Police. What is

communal court – 1994- if there is a clash between schedule caste
and non-schedule caste.
26 – 06 – 2025
HCP [Habeas Corpus Petition] Intention and motive and the 4 bases
of crime.
I also attended the DRUG ABUSE CAMP held at MADURAI LAW
COLLEGE.

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 WEEK TWO
DATE WORK UNDERTAKEN
Visited central prison Madurai. DLSA advocates conducted a survey
27 – 06 – 2025 of the inmate’s main focus was on the long-term prisoners. And also, I
came to know about the prison manual, it consists of 4volume

Dealt with HMA [Hindu marriage act], section 24- interim

maintenance, section 9 – restitution of conjugal rights.
AFSAL GURU Vs. UNION OF INDIA.
Learned about the 1989 women’s right to property act.
30 – 06 – 2025 311 of crpc petition – recalling of witness.
Hostile witness – Indian evidence act – section 154 – will say against
the prosecution.

Learned about the PTI [ pre- trial intervention];

ALAGIRI Vs. STATE OF TAMIL NADU.
A brief note about the Juvenile justice act. Under this act the
punishment is divided into 3types and basically this act has 2
01 – 07 - 2025 essentials, one is about the child in conflict with law and the other is
about child in need of care and protection.

I came to know about the GOONDAS ACT of 1982- The main aim of
the Act is to ensure public order and safety by enabling the preventive
detention of habitual offenders who are likely to cause disturbances to
public peace and law & order. Section 141 of IPC – unlawful
02 – 07 - 2025 assembly. The principle of EJUSDEM GENERIES which means of
the same kind.

The concept of plea of alibi was taught, this comes under section 9 of
BSA. And I learned about the difference between common intention
and common object. I also, learned about the abbreviations for CC,
STC, etc.
Guardian and wards act – as per this act the natural guardian will be
03 – 07 - 2025 the father of the child. The word wards under this act covers the
orphaned child.
The difference between corroboration and contradiction of section 133
& 114[b] of IEA, according to sir James.

I have learnt about kinds of provocation it includes women

provocation, property provocation, sudden provocation and sustain
[Link] sustain provocation we have discussed a case study and
04 – 07 – 2025 learnt about types of committees introduced by Central Government.

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 WEEK THREE

DATE WORK UNDERTAKEN

Learned about the basis of court calling hours – petition calling is the
first step in calling hours.
Section 146 of BSA- leading questions – in chief it should not be
asked and only in cross it can be asked. Notary public – central act
05 – 07 - 2025 [notaries act]. Notary public is a gazetted officer. Law of adverse
possession – having right over the land for more than 12years. Court
fee acts the injunction is divided into different types.
MHOP which mean mental health original petition.

I learned about the protection of women from sexual harassment at

workplace act -2013 [POSH ACT]. This act came after the case
07 – 07 - 2025 called VISHAKA Vs. STATE OF RAJASTHAN. Under this act I
dealt with some of the important sections like, 2[n], 3,4,5,9.

On this day I visited TAN PID court and saw cross examination of
A4 & A5 of that case.
Another 2 important case law in general which was discussed is
GAJENDRAN Vs. STATE OF TAMIL NADU – if both parties are
08 – 07 - 2025 minor and married then no arrest can be taken place.
N.P. SASEDARAN Vs. N.P. PONNAMMA – justice Mahendran
gave the difference between will, gift, and settlement.

I had an opportunity to visit the juvenile justice board and respected

sir Pandiarajan gave a brief information about the powers, functions
and duties of the board and its members. He clearly states that the
main aim of the board is to rehabilitate the juvenile and no death or
09 – 07 - 2025 life imprisonment can be given. And on the next day on I was given
an opportunity to attend the proceedings of the juvenile justice board
calling hours. I learned the procedure for filing of a case in JJ board.

I learned about the mediation procedure regarding form -4 [parties

10 -07 -2025 present or absent form, during every hearing; MMMC [form-3-
parties personal details]. Settlement agreement – if settled there will
be a green form

Today I have learnt about the same case which was earlier. I read
11 – 07 – 2025 about the remaining pw 11 to 17. And also learnt about stages of
crime and FIR.

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 WEEK FOUR

DATE WORK UNDERTAKEN

On this day I learned about 311 petition – recall petition.

Para-1 (what charges he is facing before the court)
Para-2 (when was the chief examination done )
14 -07 - 2025 Para-3 (reason for cross examination not happening on that day)

On this day we read depositions of witnesses related to a case.

From PW 1 to PW 10
And also we learned about the difference between chit fund act; BUDS act; and
15 – 07 -2025 TNPID act, and it’s comparison and background of those acts.

On this day we saw mediation related to a divorce case. And we learnt about the
settlement procedure in mediation.
On this same day, during the afternoon session we wrote notice for the mediation
16 – 07 – 2025 cases and what are the ingredients to write a notice and how to dispatch it.

On this day we saw a cross examination of a case in PSJ court. Hearsay witness as
per section 60 of Indian evidence act. On this same day we also learned about the
GOONDAS act and in this act there are six essentials namely: slum
grabbers,Immoral trafficking offender, boot leggers, forest offenders, drug offenders,
sand offenders. And now newly added video piracy and POCSO act.
17 – 07 – 2025
On this day we saw a murder case and this case turned into hostile as per section 154
of Indian evidence act. Also learned about, Different kinds of committees , Asha
committee, Saathi committee, Dawn committee , Jagriti committee , Samvad
18 -07 – 2025 committee

On this day I learnt about the drafting, and I observed several hearings in criminal
19 – 07- 2025 matter and this include bail application and a cheque bounce case under section 138
of NI act.

DAILY LOG SHEET

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 DAY - 1

On the first day of my internship, I was introduced to the wide range of opportunities
available to interns in the field of legal aid, which provided me with a clear
understanding of how the justice system operates at the grassroots level. I learnt that
interns could observe real-time legal aid cases, allowing us to witness the practical
application of legal provisions and understand the socio-economic barriers faced by
underprivileged communities. We were also encouraged to attend Lok Adalat
proceedings, which function as informal courts promoting amicable settlements without
the procedural complexities of traditional litigationA significant part of the day was also
spent in a discussion about the structure and functioning of the National Legal Services
Authority (NALSA), which, along with State and District Legal Services Authorities,
works to provide free legal services and promote legal literacy across India.

DAY – 2

During the course of my internship, I was introduced to several important legal and
administrative procedures undertaken by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA),
which plays a key role in ensuring access to justice at the district level. One of the
significant sessions focused on the Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act, 1955, a
legislation enacted to abolish untouchability and prohibit its practice in any form. The
discussion emphasized the social objective of this Act, which is primarily concerned with
safeguarding the rights and dignity of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
The session also shed light on the role of the Directorate of Welfare for Scheduled
Castes and Backward Classes, which works alongside legal institutions to implement
schemes and policies aimed at improving the socio-economic status of these communities.
Furthermore, we were introduced to the Tamil Nadu Protection of Interests of
Depositors (in Financial Establishments) Act, 1997 (TANPID). It grants the state
government the authority to attach the properties of such financial establishments and
recover the investors' money through a special mechanism

DAY – 3

As part of my internship experience, I was introduced to the various types of courts that
function within the Indian judicial system, each designated to handle specific categories of
cases for more effective administration of justice. One such court discussed was the
Special Court for Mines and Minerals, which deals with offences related to illegal
mining activities under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act,
1957. Interestingly, I also learnt that in some jurisdictions, the same Special Court may
also be empowered to hear cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances
(NDPS) Act, especially where the infrastructure or judicial manpower requires
consolidation of special cases. These courts often deal with serious offences such as
grievous hurt, domestic violence, sexual assault, and other offences punishable with
imprisonment of seven years or more.

DAY – 4

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On this particular day of my internship, I had the opportunity to witness the filing and
processing of two different petitions, each representing distinct areas of legal concern. The
first petition was a request for the appointment of a free legal aid advocate to assist the
petitioner in securing bail, which highlighted the practical role of the Legal Services I was
introduced to the procedural aspects of filing such petitions, including the use of Form 5,
which is a notice requiring the petitioner to appear and represent their case, and Form 6,
which serves as a summons to the respondent, informing them about the proceedings and
requiring their presence before the concerned authority or court. These forms are an
essential part of procedural compliance under legal aid and public grievance mechanisms.
DAY – 5

On this day of my internship, I gained valuable insights into the Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, a central legislation enacted to curb drug
trafficking and abuse in India. I learned that under this Act, the severity of punishment is
determined by the quantity of the substance involved. Specifically, possession of up to 1
kg is treated as a small quantity, attracting a lighter punishment; between 1 kg and 20 kg
falls under the category of intermediate quantity, leading to more serious penalties; and
possession of more than 20 kg is considered commercial quantity, which results in strict
punishment, often including rigorous imprisonment and heavy fines. This classification
helps the judiciary apply proportionate penalties based on the scale of the offence..
Furthermore, we discussed the essentials of legal drafting, including the preparation of a
surety memo (used when someone stands as a guarantor for the accused), the use of
Section 311 CrPC petitions (which allow the court to summon or re-examine witnesses if
necessary for justice), and the filing of bail petitions, which are critical in both civil and
criminal contexts.

DAY – 6

On this day of my internship, I learned about the hierarchy of the Tamil Nadu Police,
which plays a crucial role in the law enforcement structure of the state. The hierarchy
begins with the Director General of Police (DGP) at the top, followed by Additional
DGPs, Inspectors General (IGs), Deputy IGs, Superintendents of Police (SPs), and
continues down to Inspectors, Sub-Inspectors, and Constables at the grassroots level.
Understanding this chain of command helped me grasp how policing and administrative
duties are distributed and coordinated effectively across districts and units. I was also
introduced to the concept of the Communal Court, established in 1994, to specifically deal
with clashes or conflicts between Scheduled Castes and non-Scheduled Castes,
especially in rural and sensitive areas. These courts aim to ensure swift justice in caste-
related offences and prevent escalation of communal tensions. Additionally, I learned about
the Habeas Corpus Petition (HCP), a vital constitutional remedy used when a person is
unlawfully detained or missing, allowing the court to order their production. The session
also covered the intention and motive behind crimes, which are essential elements in
determining criminal liability, along with the four basic elements of crime: mens rea
(guilty mind), actus reus (guilty act), causation, and harm.
DAY – 7

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As part of my internship, I had the opportunity to visit the Central Prison in Madurai,
which gave me practical exposure to the prison system. During the visit, advocates from
the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) conducted a survey focusing on long-
term prisoners, mainly to identify their legal needs, ensure they had access to free legal
aid, and check the status of their appeals or pending cases. This interaction highlighted the
importance of legal support even after conviction. I also learned about the Prison Manual,
a detailed set of guidelines that governs prison administration. It is divided into four
volumes, covering aspects like inmate rights, prison discipline, medical care, parole,
rehabilitation programs, and prison staff duties. The visit helped me understand how
prisons operate not just as detention centres but also as institutions aimed at reform and
reintegration.

DAY – 8

On 01-07-2025, I learned about the concept of Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), a reform-

oriented approach in criminal justice where first-time or minor offenders are diverted from
traditional prosecution and given a chance to reform through counselling, community
service, or rehabilitation programs, without undergoing a full trial. I also studied the case
of Alagiri vs. State of Tamil Nadu, which provided insights into procedural fairness and
the importance of following due legal process in criminal matters. Additionally, I was
given a brief overview of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act,
which is a special law enacted to handle matters involving minors. This Act is built around
two key categories: children in conflict with law (those alleged or found to have
committed an offence) and children in need of care and protection (those who are
abandoned, orphaned, or in vulnerable conditions). The Act classifies punishment into
three types depending on the nature of the offence—petty, serious, and heinous offences
—and ensures that juveniles are treated with sensitivity, with a focus on reformation rather
than punishment.

DAY – 9

On this day of my internship, I learned about the Goondas Act of 1982, a preventive
detention law aimed at maintaining public order and safety by allowing the detention of
habitual offenders who are likely to disturb public peace or pose a threat to law and order.
This Act empowers the authorities to detain individuals without trial for a limited period to
prevent them from committing further offences, particularly in cases involving repeated
crimes such as bootlegging, drug trafficking, or acts of violence. I also studied Section 141
of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which defines unlawful assembly as a gathering of five
or more persons with a common objective to commit an offence, resist lawful authority, or
disturb public peace. In addition, I was introduced to the legal principle of “Ejusdem
Generis”, which is a rule of statutory interpretation meaning “of the same kind.” This
principle is applied when general words follow a list of specific words in a legal text—
indicating that the general words should be interpreted in line with the specific ones
mentioned earlier. These concepts helped me understand how preventive, penal, and
interpretative tools are used within the legal system to protect society and ensure justice.

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DAY – 10

During my internship, I had the opportunity to study several important legal provisions and
landmark cases. I explored key sections of the Hindu Marriage Act (HMA), including
Section 24, which deals with interim maintenance—allowing either spouse to claim
financial support during the pendency of matrimonial proceedings—and Section 9, which
provides for restitution of conjugal rights, enabling a spouse to seek a court order for the
other to resume cohabitation. I also studied the landmark case Afzal Guru vs. Union of
India, which involved the 2001 Parliament attack and raised critical questions about
terrorism, due process, and capital punishment. Additionally, I learned about the Women’s
Right to Property Act of 1989, which marked a significant shift by granting daughters
equal rights in ancestral property, furthering gender equality in inheritance laws. In
criminal procedure, I was introduced to Section 311 of the CrPC, which empowers the
court to recall or summon any witness at any stage of the trial if their testimony is
essential for justice. I also gained insights into the concept of a hostile witness, governed
by Section 154 of the Indian Evidence Act, where a witness who initially supported the
prosecution turns against it during trial.

DAY – 11

On this day, I learned about the concept of plea of alibi, which is covered under Section 9
of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), allowing an accused to prove they were
elsewhere when the alleged offence occurred. I also understood the difference between
common intention and common object, where common intention involves a shared plan
among individuals, while common object refers to a shared goal of an unlawful assembly.
Additionally, I learned the meanings of abbreviations like CC (Calendar Case) and STC
(Summary Trial Case). Under the Guardian and Wards Act, the natural guardian of a child
is considered to be the father, and the term "ward" includes orphaned children. I also
explored the distinction between corroboration and contradiction in the context of Sections
133 and 114(b) of the Indian Evidence Act, where corroboration supports a witness’s
testimony, especially that of an accomplice, while contradiction challenges or undermines
it—an idea elaborated upon according to Sir James’ interpretation.

DAY – 12

On this day of my internship, I gained insight into the different kinds of provocation
recognized in criminal law, which play a crucial role in determining the degree of
culpability in offences like homicide. We discussed women provocation, which typically
arises from acts such as domestic violence or infidelity; property provocation, which
involves disputes or threats concerning ownership or possession; sudden provocation,
which occurs due to an unexpected trigger causing an immediate loss of self-control; and
sustained provocation, which refers to prolonged harassment or continuous abusive
behavior that gradually breaks down a person's mental stability, leading to a violent
response. A case study was examined to understand how sustained provocation is assessed
by the courts, particularly in situations where the accused had been subjected to repeated
humiliation or psychological pressure over time. In parallel, we were also introduced to
various committees established by the Central Government to address pressing social
concerns, strengthen governance, and ensure institutional accountability.

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DAY – 13

During my internship, I learned about various court procedures and legal concepts in a
simplified way. Calling hours refer to the time when the court begins hearing cases,
starting with petition calling, where each case is called out to check its status. Under
Section 146 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), I understood that leading
questions—where the answer is suggested in the question—are not allowed during
examination-in-chief but are permitted during cross-examination. I also learned about the
role of a Notary Public, appointed under the Notaries Act, who is a gazetted officer
responsible for certifying documents. Another concept was adverse possession, which
allows a person to claim ownership of land if they occupy it openly and continuously for
more than 12 years without interruption by the actual owner. Under the Court Fees Act,
different fees apply for injunction petitions, depending on the nature of the case. Lastly, I
learned about MHOP (Mental Health Original Petition), which is used in courts for
matters relating to mental health, such as appointing a guardian for a mentally unwell
person.

DAY – 14

During my internship, I learned about the Protection of Women from Sexual

Harassment at Workplace Act, 2013 (POSH Act), which was enacted to ensure a safe
and respectful working environment for women. This law came into force after the
Supreme Court’s Vishaka vs. State of Rajasthan (1997) judgment, which first laid down
guidelines for handling workplace harassment in the absence of specific legislation. The
Act defines sexual harassment under Section 2(n) to include physical contact, unwanted
advances, sexually coloured remarks, and other inappropriate behavior. Section 3
guarantees every woman the right to a safe workplace, while Section 4 mandates that
offices with 10 or more employees must set up an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)
to address complaints. Section 5 places a duty on the appropriate government to ensure the
law is followed, and Section 9 lays down the procedure for filing a complaint—within 3
months of the incident. Learning about the POSH Act gave me a clear understanding of
how law protects women’s dignity and promotes accountability at the workplace.

DAY – 15

On this day, I had the opportunity to visit the TANPID Court (Tamil Nadu Protection of
Interests of Depositors Court), which handles cases involving financial fraud, especially
those affecting depositors. I observed the cross-examination of the accused A4 and A5,
which was an eye-opening experienceTwo significant case laws were also discussed. The
first was Gajendran vs. State of Tamil Nadu, which involved a situation where both
parties to a marriage were minors. The court held that no arrest should be made in such
cases, recognizing the need for a sensitive approach rather than immediate criminal action.
The second case was N.P. Sasedaran vs. N.P. Ponnamma, where Justice Mahendran
clearly explained the legal distinctions between a will, a gift deed, and a settlement deed.
A will takes effect after the testator's death and can be altered during their lifetime; a gift
deed involves an immediate, unconditional transfer of ownership.

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DAY – 16

On the following day, I had the chance to attend the Board’s proceedings during the calling
hours, where I observed how the cases were called, how juveniles were produced before
the Board, and how the environment was kept informal and supportive to ensure the child
feels safe and heard. I also learned the procedure for filing a case in the Juvenile Justice
Board, starting from the lodging of the FIR, production of the child within 24 hours,
preparation of a social investigation report, and appointment of a child welfare officer. I
came to understand that even though it is a legal process, the approach of the Board is more
corrective than punitive. This experience gave me a deeper appreciation of how our legal
system treats juveniles with compassion and aims to give them a meaningful opportunity to
reform and grow into responsible citizens.

DAY – 17

During my visit, I had the opportunity to understand the mediation procedure, an

important method of alternative dispute resolution aimed at settling conflicts peacefully
without going through a prolonged trial. I observed the documentation process followed at
the Madras Mediation and Mediation Centre (MMMC). Among the key documents
used, Form-3 stood out as it records the personal details of the parties involved, including
their names, addresses, contact information, relationship, and the background of the
dispute. This form helps the mediator understand the case context. Another vital document
is Form-4, which tracks the attendance of the parties during each mediation session,
ensuring that both sides are participating seriously in resolving the matter. When the
mediation is successful, a Settlement Agreement is drafted and signed by both parties.
The case is then closed by issuing a green form, which indicates that the dispute has been
resolved amicably through mediation. This process not only saves time and cost but also
helps maintain relationships and reduce the burden on the formal court system. Observing
this made me realize the practical value of mediation in achieving efficient and peaceful
dispute resolution.

DAY – 18

Today, I continued observing the same case and focused on the depositions of the
remaining Prosecution Witnesses (PW 11 to PW 17), each of whom provided important
insights into the crime, including details about the scene, timeline, and the alleged role of
the accused.. I also learned about the four stages of crime—intention (mens rea),
preparation, attempt, and commission—and how the law treats each stage differently
depending on how far the accused went in carrying out the act. Additionally, I studied the
concept of the First Information Report (FIR), which is a vital document registered under
Section 154 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and marks the beginning of a
criminal investigation. It includes essential details such as the time, place of the offence,
and names of the involved parties and can be filed by the victim, a witness, or any person
with knowledge of the crime. Overall, today’s experience gave me a clearer understanding
of how criminal cases are built from witness testimonies and procedural steps, and how
theoretical concepts like stages of crime and FIR play a critical role in real-world legal
practice.

DAY – 19

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Today, I learned about Section 311 of the Criminal Procedure Code, commonly known as
the recall petition, which allows the court to summon or recall a witness at any stage of the
trial if their evidence is essential for a just decision. In the case we observed, the accused is
charged under the Tamil Nadu Protection of Interests of Depositors (TNPID) Act for
allegedly running a fraudulent financial scheme. While the chief examination had
been completed, the cross-examination was postponed due to the defense counsel’s
absence. The court, upholding fair trial principles, granted an adjournment. We also
read the depositions of ten witnesses (PW1 to PW10), which offered insight into the
financial misconduct alleged. Additionally, we studied the differences between the
Chit Funds Act, the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes (BUDS) Act, and the
TNPID Act—each playing a distinct role in regulating financial schemes and protecting
depositors from fraud.

DAY – 20

I analysed the depositions of witnesses PW1 to PW10 in a financial fraud case. Their
statements helped outline the sequence of events, explained the financial transactions
involved, and clarified the role of the accused. These depositions are key to the
prosecution's case as they provide firsthand evidence supporting the charges. We also
studied three financial laws: the Chit Funds Act, the Banning of Unregulated Deposit
Schemes (BUDS) Act, and the Tamil Nadu Protection of Interests of Depositors
(TNPID) Act. While all aim to protect depositors, each has a distinct focus. The Chit
Funds Act regulates legal chit fund businesses, ensuring they operate transparently.
The BUDS Act bans all unregulated deposit schemes, mainly to curb Ponzi-type
frauds. The TNPID Act, specific to Tamil Nadu, targets financial firms that illegally
collect public money and fail to repay. By comparing these laws, we understood how each
was created to address different forms of financial fraud and protect the public.

DAY – 21

On this day, we observed a mediation session related to a divorce case, which provided us
with valuable insights into the role of mediation in resolving family disputes. We learned in
detail about the settlement procedures followed during mediation, including how both
parties are given the opportunity to express their concerns in a neutral environment
facilitated by a mediator. The importance of mutual agreement, confidentiality, and the
mediator’s impartial role were emphasized as key aspects of the process. In the afternoon
session of the same day, we engaged in the practical task of drafting notices for mediation
cases. Through this exercise, we were taught the essential components required in a
mediation notice, such as the names of the parties involved, the date, time, and venue of the
mediation session, the purpose of the notice, and reference to the relevant case details or
file number. Additionally, we learned about the proper method of dispatching these notices,
ensuring they are sent in a timely manner either through registered post, email, or other
officially accepted modes, to guarantee that all parties receive sufficient notice to attend the
mediation. This hands-on experience reinforced the procedural aspects of mediation and
highlighted the importance of clear, formal communication in legal processes.

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DAY – 22

On this day, we had the opportunity to witness a cross-examination in a case being heard in
the PSJ (Principal Sessions Judge) Court, which gave us a firsthand experience of how
evidence is tested in a courtroom setting. During the proceedings, we specifically learned
about the concept of hearsay evidence under Section 60 of the Indian Evidence Act, which
emphasizes that oral evidence must be direct—meaning that a witness must testify only to
what they personally saw, heard, or perceived, and not what they were told by someone
else. In addition to this courtroom experience, we were also introduced to the provisions of
the GOONDAS Act, which is a preventive detention law aimed at curbing habitual and
dangerous offenders who pose a threat to public order. The Act defines several categories
of offenders under its scope, including slum grabbers, immoral trafficking offenders,
bootleggers, forest offenders, drug offenders, and sand offenders—each representing
individuals or groups involved in activities that disrupt public safety and social order. We
also learned that the scope of the Act has been recently expanded to include new categories
such as those involved in video piracy and offenders under the POCSO (Protection of
Children from Sexual Offences) Act, reflecting the evolving nature of threats to society and
the need for stricter legal measures to address them.

DAY – 23

This section empowers the court to permit the party who calls a witness to put questions in
the nature of cross-examination if the witness appears to be hostile or gives testimony
contrary to their earlier statement. Watching the dynamics of the case change in real time
due to a hostile witness offered a deep insight into how fragile and critical witness
testimonies are in criminal trials. Alongside this, we also learned about various committees
that play an important role in community outreach, awareness, and support mechanisms.
These included the ASHA Committee, which focuses on health and welfare services at the
grassroots level; the Saathi Committee, which provides support and guidance to women
and children in vulnerable situations; the Dawn Committee, which works for early
intervention and rehabilitation; the Jagriti Committee, aimed at spreading legal and social
awareness; and the Samvad Committee, which facilitates dialogue and conflict resolution
within communities. Understanding the functions of these committees helped us see how
legal processes are supported and complemented by community-based initiatives that
ensure justice, rehabilitation, and awareness are carried beyond the courtroom.

DAY – 24

I gained valuable knowledge about legal drafting, which is a fundamental skill in the
practice of law, particularly in preparing petitions, notices, affidavits, and various other
legal documents with clarity, precision, and adherence to legal format. Along with this, I
had the opportunity to observe several hearings related to criminal matters, which offered
practical exposure to courtroom procedures and the way cases are argued and handled. I
also observed proceedings in a cheque bounce case filed under Section 138 of the
Negotiable Instruments Act, which deals with dishonour of cheques due to insufficient
funds or closure of the account. Overall, the day offered a comprehensive view of both
procedural and substantive aspects of criminal law and enhanced my understanding of how
legal documents and courtroom arguments work in practice.

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