Phek DLSA observes National Legal Services Day

Dignitaries and others during the observance of National Legal Services Day at Meluri on May 9.

Phek, November 10 (MExN): The Phek District Legal Services Authority with the District Administration, Pochury Baptist Church Council and CASA members of AC+Alliance observed National Legal Services Day on November 9 by organizing cleanliness drive for a clean environment and legal awareness programme at Meluri.

After the cleanliness drive, a legal awareness programme on the topics - Fundamental Rights and Duties, Rule For Administration Of Justice And Police In Nagaland 1937/Nagaland Village Council Act, 1987 and Child Rights with reference to Protection Of Children from Sexual Offence Act, Juvenile Justice Act  and human trafficking was conducted at Meluri Village Council Hall.

Advocate Chitho while welcoming everyone present stated this was probably the first time that a church body in Meluri sub division has initiated to have legal awareness programme towards integrated holistic development. He dealt on the importance of National Legal Services Day which is commemorated all over the country.

He stated that resistance toward knowing one’s rights and responsibilities will drive them into backwardness and encouraged them to know their rights and the law of the land which will help them to progress and move forward.

Rev Rumatho, Executive Secretary, Pochury Baptist Church Council in his short sharing urged all to be law abiding citizens and know their rights and responsibilities. 

“Constitution book is the law of the land like our Bible is the law for the Christians,” he said and further urged the law fraternity to take time and explain to the people about the various laws just like Bible is also explained to the people to understand it deeper.

Speaking on the topic ‘Fundamental Rights and Duties,’ Mezivolu T Therieh, District & Sessions Judge & Chairperson, Phek DLSA mentioned that nothing is above the law and every citizen must abide with the law.

She spoke at length on the six fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution which are essential for intellectual, moral and spiritual development of individuals irrespective of race, birth, place, religion caste or gender.
Taking Ayodhya verdict as an instance where the Supreme Court Judgment is to be upheld, likewise, we all need to uphold the law and not take law into own hands.

She further stressed on equality before law by touching upon 33% reservation for women in the Municipalities, right to freedom of speech and expression, right against exploitation, religion and cultural and educational rights.

Mamang Singson, Retainer Lawyer, Phek DLSA while speaking on ‘Rule For Administration Of Justice And Police In Nagaland 1937/Nagaland Village Council Act, 1987’ highlighted that the guardians of the customary courts should follow the laid down rules and procedures meant for their governance and decide the cases accordingly.

He stressed upon differentiation between fine and compensation and mentioned that fine cannot be imposed by them beyond Rs 500 which is a mandatory provision.

However compensation upon the victim is an option which they can deal with. He urged them to be thorough about the Village Council Act and comply with the provisions because non compliance will amount to opening doors for litigation.

Vethothi Vero, PA, Phek DLSA while stressing on the Juvenile Justice Act 2015 stated that it is an act meant for the protection of children under the age of 18 years who have committed an offence and who are in need of care and protection. He stressed that juveniles who are orphans, runaway children or children in need of care and protection are taken to the children homes/shelter homes for their protection and rehabilitation.

Also speaking on POCSO Act 2012, he highlighted that it was enacted to protect child victim of sexual assault, harassment and pornography. He encouraged the gathering to report any case of offence committed against the children to the police so that justice will be delivered to the victim.