‘Nagaland a good soil to resolve issues by negotiation’

Panel Lawyers with the guest and others during the inaugural session of the two-day advocacy skill training for panel lawyers at Hotel Japfü, Kohima on March 6. (Photo Courtesy: NSLSA)

Advocacy skill training for panel lawyers in Kohima underway

Kohima, March 6 (MExN): Gauhati High Court Judge, Justice Songkhupchung Serto today said, “Nagaland is a good soil to resolve issues by negotiation” and called to acknowledge and encourage the traditional means of settling issues.

“Issues, when resolved in a win-win situation, help to preserve and maintain the fabric of the society,” he maintained. 

The Justice who is also the current Executive Chairman of the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) was addressing a section of Panel Lawyers during the inaugural session of the two-day advocacy skill training for panel lawyers at Hotel Japfü, Kohima. 

In this regard, he encouraged the young lawyers to ponder, explore means and ways of resolving issues in that manner. The Justice reminded them that while legal services envision delivering competent legal services to people in need, legal awareness should be meted out with a passion and mission to empower the people at the grassroot. 

Describing lawyers’ duties and responsibilities as vast and deep and requiring continuous learning, the Justice also added that thorough reading accompanied by understanding the importance and objectives of the law and also being good listeners at all stages are hands-on requirement.

‘Legal services should benefit the deprived’

Justice S Hukato Swu, Justice Gauhati High Court, a former Member Secretary of NSLSA called to focus the awareness activities of the legal services to benefit the deprived.

“In legal aid, panel lawyers are fighting the case of the poorest and downtrodden. They are assigned to fight against politicians or stakeholders who deprive the rights of the poor, and those who disrupt the society,” he said while asserting that it is a noble service in return to small fee reimbursed. 

Citing the mammoth task and sacrifice required for delivering justice through legal knowledge, he urged lawyers not to misuse or devise negative practices for personal benefits. 

Should protect the right of legal aid seekers 

NSLSA, Member Secretary, N Longshithung Ezung, NJS while delivering the welcome address pointed those legal aid providers should protect and advance the right and legitimate interest of legal aid seekers in a skilled and competent manner. 

“Free legal aid does not mean that services should be inadequate and poor. It is our duty to see that quality service is provided,” adding that Panel Lawyers are pillars of legal services authority both in carrying out all activities, including legal aid and representation. 

Resource person SP Jain, Legal Consultant and Advocate, Delhi dwelling on “Aspects of Criminal Code of Procedure and criminal trial and appeal re,” deliberated the demarcations of cognizable and non-cognizable offence wherein non-cognizable offences does not require the interference of police officials and as such there is no provision for lodging FIR by the police. 

Trial and enquiry 

Speaking of trial and enquiry, the Advocate noted that the innocence of the accused is maintained during inquiry period by the magistrate. For bailable offences, he impressed upon the lawyers that under Sec 50 of the CrPC, the police officer has to informed person arrested that he/she is entitled to be released on bail and as such arrangement maybe made for sureties on his behalf. 

He also delivered presentations on role of “panel lawyers at pre-arrest, arrest and remand stage," and Features and facets of Civil Code of procedures.”

Drug and Cosmetic Act 

Resource person, N Ethungbemo Ezung, Drug Inspector, CMO Kohima deliberated the relevance and implementation of Drug and Cosmetic Act in the state. 

The act regulates the import, manufacture and distribution of drugs in the country. It ensures that drugs and cosmetics sold are safe and effective and in conformity to quality standards. He meanwhile highlighted the implication of disposal of seized products wherein the current practice in the state violates the Acts direction. He called to look towards revenue generation and pollution free and environmental friendly forms of disposal. 

Kohima DLSA presented NSLSA theme song and Martha Dukru delivered the vote of thanks. The training is being attended by 48 Panel lawyers from all the districts.