DBs, GBs called to implement customary law in ‘uniformity, rationality & certainty’

Kohima, July 14 (MExN): Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA) organized one-day training of Dobashis and Gaonboras under Kohima District at conference hall of District Planning and Development Board, Office, Kohima on July 14.  

Delivering an introductory to customary law, Victo Sema, NJS Chief Judicial Magistrate and Secretary KDLSA appraised on the history of customary court and related acts. He urged the DBs and GBs to implement customary law in uniformity, rationality and certainty, to be in tandem with the canon of law established in the regular court of the Indian justice system. The Secretary further suggested innovating customary law to keep up with the complexity of society, said a press release received here.  

Joshua Sheqi, Legal Aid Counsel and Trainer, NSLSA while speaking on ‘The Village Act’ underlined that the power of the DBs and GBs are same and could work as “rural police”, however DBs have the privilege of assisting the DC, EAC and SDO (Civil). He said that GBs has power in village council and could avail financial benefit for development work of the village. Joshua Sheqi further informed that “the power of customary court in civil cases is limitless but in criminal case the customary court has the power of second class magistrate.”  

Speaking on best legal practices and procedures, Tongpang, Legal Aid Counsel and Trainer NSLSA pointed out that the institution of DBs and GBs is unique and works as the backbone of administration. He highlighted on the Principle of Natural Justice and the difference in functioning of regular court as codified and customary court as convention. Tongpang also suggested the DBs and GBs to deliberate and come up with written procedure on how customary court is conducted for civil and criminal case, in order to maintain relevance of the customary court.  

Keduvi Zhotso, Panel Lawyer KDLSA delivered the vote of thanks. The programme was chaired by Nancy Lotha, Panel Lawyer KDLSA. Altogether around 50 participants comprising of DBs, GB and Panel Lawyer attended the workshop.