Kohima, November 16 (MExN): The Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA) observed Legal Services Day cum prize distribution for essay competition held on the topic ‘Fundamental rights/duties and the role of a law abiding citizen’ in commemoration of National Legal Services Day at DC conference hall, Kohima on November 9.
Sunjib Rana, Panel Lawyer (KDLSA) spoke on the topic ‘Importance of Legal Services Authority’. He said the movement was first started in France in the year 1851 with the service mainly given to those prisoners of war who were not able to communicate with their family/relatives and their loved ones, who were from far flung or from other countries in the prison.
The movement then passed on to Britain in the year 1944 and so on, he said, according to a press release from Mezivolu T. Therieh, Chief Judicial Magistrate & Secretary, KDLSA. “Since 1952 the Government of India started to stress, but only in the year 1987 the Legal Services Authority Act was enacted, however, only on 9th November, 1995 the Act was fully established and it was a landmark day in the Indian Judiciary System,” he noted.
He pointed out that principle of equal justice and free legal aid has been enumerated in Article 39A of the constitution of India. Stating that the main purpose of the legal service was to reach to every citizen whether in the rural or even to the remotest area, he added, it also creates awareness/legal literacy programmes for the under privileged and the weaker sections of the society.
Short speech was delivered by Rovilato Mor, Deputy Commissioner and ex officio member of KDLSA. He said that significance of law is important in everyday life and also for the welfare of every citizen. The purpose of having this legal service is to create maximum awareness in the social and economic context for the citizens, the DC stated.
In the essay competition, the first position was bagged by Phyopenthung of Capital College, second position was won by Krecheni Krechena of Model Christian College, and third position went to Athungbeni W. Shitiri of Model Christian College. Adidong Longkumer of Sazolie College, Wonchano of Model Christian College were adjudged fourth and fifth winners respectively.
The programme, chaired by Temsu Walling, Panel Lawyer (KDLSA), was also attended by Judicial Magistrate 1st Class, Tucuno Vamuzo and Panel Lawyers.
