Peren, May 20 (MExN): To impart legal awareness on schemes under Nagaland Legal Services Authority (NSLSA), the Peren District Legal Services Authority (PDLSA) conducted legal awareness programme with the Pastor Union Samzuiram, church elders and church workers at Samzuiram village council hall on May 19.
Speaking on Consumer Rights, Enchang, Panel Lawyer PDLSA apprised that the Consumer Protection Act 1986 was enacted to provide better protection of interest of consumers and to make provisions for the establishment of Consumer Councils and other authorities for the settlement of consumer disputes.
He said that a complaint can be filed by a consumer under allegations of – an unfair or restrictive trade practice is practiced by trader or service provider, goods bought or to be bought or services hired or to be hired suffered from any deficiency, trader or service provider has charged excess price and goods and services are hazardous or are likely to be hazardous to life and safety.
Highlighting that there are consumer dispute redressal machinery, Enchang informed there are consumer forum at the district level, state commission at the state level and national commission at national level.
He also explained that the time limit for filing compliant is within two years from the date on which the cause of action arises; even when the time expires, the complaint can be taken up provided complainant is able to satisfy the forum or commission about the reasonableness in the delay.
Speaking on domestic violence, Asuni, Panel Lawyer PDLSA said that domestic violence means any act, omission or conduct which harms or injures or endangers the health safety, life, limb or well being of a woman.
On how an aggrieved woman can get relief from domestic violence, she said that the aggrieved woman may directly approach the court of judicial magistrate seeking redresses.
Asuni further informed that on the aggrieved woman’s behalf, any protection officer or any other person can also file petition before the magistrate seeking reliefs, while she or any other person having knowledge of such domestic violence can give information to the protection officer.
She stated that the aggrieved woman can also approach the legal service authority for redressal of her grievances.
Speaking on rights of an arrested person and Village Council Act, Asungbe, Retainer Lawyer PDLSA said that under the Nagaland Village Council Act 1978, the village council has the power and duties to formulate development schemes, to supervise proper maintenance of water supply, roads, power, forest, education and other welfare activities.
He further informed that the village council also has administration of justice and village administration.
Somet C Chang, Secretary PDLSA also spoke on the importance and relevancy of the legal service authority in the present Naga society and in particular Peren district. She also encouraged the participants not to be hesitant in approaching the Court for justice and legal aid.
This was followed by an interaction session.
