Tuensang, August 20 (MExN): One-day workshop was held for stakeholders of juvenile justice, organized by Tuensang District Legal Services Authority at Durbar Hall in Superintendent of Police’s office, Tuensang.
Stakeholders comprising representatives of various Government departments and NGOs such as the Members from Child Welfare Committee, Juvenile Justice Board Members, Observation Home and Shelter Home, representative from Bethel Orphanage Home and officials from the District Child Protection Office, officials of Tuensang District Police led by S.P, Addl. S.P and SDPO and also the OCs of all the sub-divisions under Tuensang district participated in the workshop, a press release informed.
N. Kano, JMFC Tuensang, Principal Magistrate of Juvenile Justice Board & Secretary of the Tuensang District Legal Services Authority, spoke on the various issues and concern areas relating to relevant provisions on Juvenile Justice Care and Protection Act 2015 and legal aspects on duties of Police officials.
Highlighting the amended portion of Juvenile Justice Act, he disclosed that juveniles, between the age of 16 to 18 years, committing heinous crime like rape and murder, can be treated as adults and given befitting punishment as deemed fit.
He also emphasized on certain procedural lapses sometimes committed by the Investigating Officers while handling the cases and encouraged the Police officers to follow the procedure.
N.S. Khaikho, DCPO Tuensang addressed the participants on the “Practical Issues & Concerns on Child Rights & Protection”. Pointing out some of the practical challenges faced in implementing the law due to limited resources, lack of proper infrastructures and facilities in the district, he lamented the lack of cooperation among stakeholders and maintained that an efficient system of coordination and cooperation need to come up among the stakeholders.
Cheliam Khiamniungan, Legal Aid Counsel, Tuensang DLSA spoke on “Role of Stake Holders under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012 (POCSO),” where she illustrated the standard procedures and the role of police while handling cases pertaining to Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO).
Antimangyang Chang, Panel Lawyer, Tuensang DLSA, speaking on the “Rights of an arrested persons and Free Legal Aid Schemes” highlighted the 28 rights of arrested/accused persons as per the provisions of Cr.PC. and also revealed the criteria of those entitled to free legal aid.
Earlier, R.V. Ezung, S.P. Tuensang in his welcome address, gave a clear and precise illustration on the concept of Juvenile Justice Act and Juvenile Justice System.
