Phek, August 14 (MExN): To protect the rights of prisoners and provide free legal assistance to them, a Legal Aid Clinic has been set up within the premises of District Jail, Phek. It was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner of Phek, Murohu Chotso on August 13.
Through the Legal Aid Clinic, the Phek District Legal Services Authorities (PDLSA) will provide prompt and efficient legal aid to the prisoners lodged in the District Jail, informed a press release.
Deputy Commissioner Murohu Chotso urged the inmates of the jail to avail the legal services and facilities provided through the Legal Aid Clinic. He further encouraged the inmates to freely approach the Panel Lawyers, Judges of the District Court, Para Legal Volunteers on Legal issues and grievances for seeking legal assistance and advice.
Civil Judge (Jr.), Phek and Secretary of the PDLSA, Ajong Imchen, speaking at the inaugural programme, apprised the jail inmates on the “Rights of Prisoners”. The jail inmates were well informed about their rights and privileges, the release said. Free legal aid and assistance, Protection against arbitrary or illegal detention in custody, Protection against conviction or enhanced punishment under ex-past facto law, Right to be produced before a Magistrate within 24 hours of his arrest, Right to fair and speedy investigation and trial, Right to appeal in case of conviction, Right to be released on bail, if arrested are some of the rights entitled to a prisoner, Imchen highlighted.
Longshi Ezung, District & Session Judge, Phek and Chairman of the PDLSA spoke on the benefit and functioning of the Legal Aid Clinic.
Ezung pointed to the lack of awareness of constitutional rights and stated that the district level LSAs will ensure that prisoners (accused, Under Trial Prisoners & convicts) avail free legal assistance.
Deputy Superintendent of Jail, Solezole Neikha stated that the Legal Aid Clinic along with the support of the District Legal Services Authorities will protect the rights of a prisoner and resolve their complaints and grievances.
The Legal Aid clinic will not only extend legal service to the inmates of the jail; the relatives and visitors of the jail will also be provided assistance and advice.
Kudukhovi Chakesang was appointed as the Para Legal Volunteer to man the Legal Aid Clinic and coordinate with the jail officials to ascertain the legal service needs of the inmates.
As a Para Legal Volunteer, he will also inform the jail authorities and District Legal Services Authorities about the grievances and legal needs of the jail inmates.
Kudukhovi was selected as PLV for his good behavior while serving as a convict in the District Jail.
