WOKHA, May 23 (MExN): Wokha District Legal Services Authority (WDLSA) conducted legal awareness programme with the Muslim community at Mosque, Tsumang (A) on May 23.
Speaking on Consumer Protection Act, Renbonthung Tsanglao, Panel Lawyer WDLSA, said that the Consumer Protection Act 1986 ensures consumers protection from hazardous goods and services.
He informed that there are Central Consumer Protection Council, State Consumer Protection Council and District Consumer Protection Council which are the consumer dispute redressal machineries under the act.
Renbonthung informed that the pecuniary jurisdiction limits for district forums is not exceeding Rs. 20 lakh while the bracket for the State Commission exceeds Rs. 20 lakh but does not exceed Rs. 1 crore; amounts exceeding Rs. 1 crore is in the jurisdiction of the National Commission.
He said that the time limit for filing complaint is within two years from the date on which the cause of action arises, even when the time limit expires, the complaint can be taken up provided complainant is able to satisfy the forum or commission on the delay – the delay of every single day has to be explained.
Speaking on Lok Adalat, Meribemo Lotha, Panel Lawyer WDLSA, apprised that Lok Adalat is one of the alternative dispute redressal mechanisms, where disputes or cases pending in the court of law or at pre-litigation stage are settled or compromised amicably.
He said that Lok Adalats have been given statutory status under the Legal Services Authority Act, 1987 and under the Act, the award (decision) made by Lok Adalat is deemed to be decree of a civil court and is final and binding on all parties and no appeal against such an award lies before any court of law.
Meribemo pointed out that there is no court fee payable when a matter is filed in a Lok Adalat.
He said that if a matter pending in the court of law is referred to the Lok Adalat and is settled subsequently, the court fee originally paid in the court on the complaints or petition is also refunded back to the parties.
Meribemo further highlighted that there are Lok Adalats at the state authority level, at High Court Level, at District Level and at Taluk level. He also said that there are National Lok Adalat, permanent Lok Adalat and mobile Lok Adalat.
Speaking on rights of accused, Gracy Ezung, Panel Lawyer WDLSA, said that under Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, all persons in custody are entitled to legal aid.
She explained the role of District Legal Services in deputing remand advocate, legal services clinics in jails etc.
Earlier, a brief overview on legal services authority was delivered by David Ezung, Panel Lawyer WDLSA, while welcome address was delivered by SK Maqsood, Muslim Union President. The programme was chaired by Kimeri Tungoe, PLV WDLSA.
