In response to the devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority (GSLSA) has set up a round-the-clock emergency helpline and legal support desk to assist affected families.
The initiative comes under the guidance of Justice Suryakant, Supreme Court judge and Executive Chairman of NALSA, and is being overseen in Gujarat by Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice A.Y. Kogje.
24-Hour Legal Helpline Activated
To ensure timely assistance, GSLSA has activated a 24/7 helpline through the Ahmedabad City Civil Legal Services Committee. Families of the victims can now contact the helpline at 079-25512033 and 6357981043.
The helpline offers support for:
Accessing verified passenger details
Obtaining death certificates and other essential documents
Coordinating with authorities for legal and administrative procedures
A help desk has also been established at the Shahibaug Legal Services Clinic in Dafnala, where trained staff will guide families through bureaucratic processes and assist with coordination between government agencies, hospitals, and Air India officials.
Tragedy At Takeoff
The Air India flight AI 171, bound for London, crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, claiming the lives of 241 people. Among the deceased were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals.
Air India’s parent company, the Tata Group, has announced ₹1 crore ex-gratia compensation to the families of each deceased passenger. In addition, the airline has committed to covering 100% of medical expenses for those injured in the crash.
Aiding Families Through Crisis
GSLSA’s prompt action is aimed at reducing the administrative and legal burdens on grieving families. “This initiative ensures that victims’ families are not left alone to navigate a maze of formalities during such an emotionally and logistically overwhelming time,” the Authority said in a statement.
The legal services body has urged families in need of assistance to make use of the helpline or visit the designated legal aid center for help with documentation, insurance claims, and other formalities.
As rescue and recovery operations continue, GSLSA’s move seeks to offer some measure of relief and support amid one of the worst aviation tragedies in recent years.
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