Justice Yarenjungla Longkumer, along with other officials during the legal awareness programme held at Mon Town on February 28.
Mon, March 1 (MExN): The Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) conducted a legal awareness programme at the DRDA Resource Centre, Mon Town, on February 28 in collaboration with Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong (KNSK) to promote legal literacy and strengthen access to justice at the grassroots level.
The programme was chaired by Topha, Panel Lawyer, DLSA Mon, and graced by Justice Yarenjungla Longkumer, Judge of the Gauhati High Court and Portfolio Judge, Nagaland, as special guest.
The event began with an invocation by Mongyeang Konyak, Finance Secretary, KNSK, followed by a welcome address from Nokshei Kano, NJS, District & Sessions Judge-cum-Chairman, DLSA Mon, who stressed the importance of legal awareness in empowering citizens.
In her keynote address, Justice Longkumer spoke on gender equality and women’s empowerment, noting significant progress in women’s leadership roles. She outlined safeguards including equal pay under the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976, protection against workplace harassment under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, and remedies under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. She said women are entitled to free legal aid under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
She also explained the concept of Zero FIR, allowing complaints at any police station irrespective of jurisdiction, and highlighted that arrest of women after sunset and before sunrise is prohibited except in exceptional circumstances with prior permission of a Judicial Magistrate.
Neiko Akami, NJS, Member Secretary, NSLSA, elaborated on legal services for vulnerable groups and the Victim Compensation Scheme providing financial and rehabilitation support.
Ajongba Imchen, NJS, Registrar, Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, spoke on the POCSO Act, stating that Mon district currently has nine cases involving nine child victims, and highlighted provisions for speedy trial and child-friendly procedures.
B Peter Resu, NJS, Joint Registrar (Judicial)-cum-CPC, explained remedies under the Domestic Violence Act, including protection, residence, monetary and custody orders.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Wokono Yhoshii, NJS, Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Secretary, DLSA Mon.
