Participants during the state level training programme for retainer lawyers and panel lawyers at SIRD Conference Hall, Kohima on October 22. (Photo Courtesy: NSLSA)
Kohima, October 22 (MExN): Secretary (Judicial), Department of Law and Justice, Government of Nagaland, Nino Iralu, NJS addressed the inaugural programme of the state level training programme for retainer lawyers and panel lawyers at SIRD Conference Hall, Kohima on October 22.
An update from the NSLSA stated that calling to maintain highest ethical standards, she reminded the legal services lawyers to remain independent from money power and pressure and be honest with one's integrity so that the services being rendered is unquestionable and to the satisfaction of the receiver.
Iralu asked the legal services lawyers to pay more attention in explaining law and legal advices to anyone who comes to them noting that lawyers normally do not open up when money is not involved for which public or common people become reluctant to approach or seek help of lawyers.
The speaker referred the legal services lawyers as harbingers of the authority and asked them to remain more focused, unselfish leaders, proactive to accept responsibility to provide effective legal services to the common man with special focus on the marginalized section of the people more so on child victims, child offenders, missing children in our sectors.
Iralu said it was crucial for Panel and Retainer Lawyers to spend more time with Under Trial Prisoners (UTPs) whom they are representing in the court while observing that lack of having one on one interaction with their clients give rise to unversed presentation in facts of the case or maybe the interpretation of law in relation with the case is overlooked.
Apart from not only presenting fact of cases better it will also open possibilities for appealing the matter again to the higher court which can reach to the level of High Court or Supreme Court. She encouraged taking up appeal matter as legal services institutions are also present in the higher level calling for taking the privilege.
“Appealing cases also gives us opportunity to learn more,” Iralu said.
The Secretary also asked senior panel lawyers who has much more experience in the DLSA to mentor juniors and upcoming lawyers and Para Legal Volunteers in professional or correct legal matters without focusing on the money aspect categorically pointing out that most of the PLVs come from different background other than legal. She said it was also important to get the PLVs connected to various stakeholders and authorities in districts.
Iralu added in this regard it should also be done with the knowledge of the district chairman and secretary for result oriented activity and in the right perspective.
Speaking of creating legal awareness, the speaker opined that DLSAs need to focus on acts wherein there are chances of cases or complaints coming up.
Empower people through legal awareness and assistance
NSLSA Member Secretary Victo Sema, NJS delivering the Keynote address reminded the paramount role that lawyers play in the legal services in disseminating about the mission of the legal services.
Sema said the mission is to empower the marginalized and economically weaker section through legal awareness and assistance. He however said without upgradation and enhancement of one's knowledge and skill of the lawyers, the grassroot will not be empowered.
The Member Secretary asked the lawyers to be aware and conscious of their duties in fulfilling the constitutional occupation. "No civilization, country or society will grow and prosper when the majority of the population live in poverty and without any access to justice," he added.
He said this was the reason why the preamble of the constitution made solemn promise to secure justice to all its citizens for social and economic empowerment and to reinforce the aspiration, Article 39 A was inserted in the Constitution which gave birth to the legislation of Legal Services Authority Act.
In the training session, resource person Mezivolu Therieh, NJS, District and Session Judge & Chairperson, Phek DLSA spoke on Constitutional perspective of legal services and the legal services authority act; Seyielenuo Mezhü, NJS,
Chief Judicial Magistrate & Secretary, Dimapur DLSA spoke on Lawyering Skills: Criminal: Drafting, witness examination and arguments.
Senior Advocate, Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, R. Iralu dwelt on Cursory glance on Civil procedure code and its practices.
Wonchibeni V Patton, NJS, Chief Judicial Magistrate & Secretary, Mokokchung DLSA spoke on Overview of cyber crimes and cyber law: types of cyber crime, legal provisions and its prevention and Temjenmoa, Advocate, Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench presented on Skills development on communication with clients and counselling.
The training was attended by 46 retainer lawyers and panel lawyers representing all District Legal Services Authorities across the state.
