‘Public trust vital for relevance of police & judiciary’

Officials and participants of the consultative meeting on disclosure of victim of sexual assault in Phek on February 3.
 

PDLSA conducts consultative meeting on disclosure of victim of sexual assault

Kohima, February 3 (MExN):  The Phek District Legal Service Authority (PDLSA) in collaboration with district police Phek conducted a consultative meeting/awareness in a matter of Disclosure of Victim of sexual Assault/Pre-arrest, arrest & Remand, Investigation & Trials at DRDA Conference hall, Phek on February 3. 

Mezivolu T Therieh, NJS, District & Sessions Judge and chairperson Phek DLSA, Phek spoke on Right to Free Legal Aid in pre-arrest, arrest & remand & criminal investigation and trials.

She highlighted that police and judiciary will lose its relevancy if “we fail to win the trust of the public by delivering justice without delay.” She said that court and police should see that provisions of law are implemented be it for the accused or victims of crimes and we have no choice to disobey it.

She stated that Article 21 of the Constitution of India guarantees right to free legal aid and assistance to accused persons and that it is essential that access to justice is available at all stages of the criminal process. 

She also touched on the provisions of arrest under Section 41, 41 B and 41 D of Code of Criminal Procedure. She said that while arresting women, procedures should not overlap and due care should be taken.

In case the arrestee wants to avail the legal assistance, Phek DLSA is ready to provide assistance, she said. She stressed on the need to improve investigation and corroborate evidence which will in turn help the Court to give complete justice.

Vesupra Kezo, NPS Superintendent of Police, Phek speaking on the topic for Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 and its Amendment Act 2019 mentioned that 90% of POCSO cases are unreported and therefore urged the police to take such reported cases of children very seriously since with so much difficulty such cases are reported and stated that non-registration of such cases entails punishment under the Act.

He said that with the Amendment of the POCSO Act, punishment has been enhanced to death penalty.

He also stated that the Act is meant for children of both sexes. He said the best interest of the child and protection of the identity of the child should be given utmost care. He stressed on Section 23 of the POCSO Act and mentioned that in no way should the identity of the victim be disclosed nor lower the child’s reputation. He also informed the police about the Child Welfare Committee, the Juvenile Justice Board and the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.

The programme was chaired by Keneinuo Swuro, Project Assistant PDLSA. Altogether, 23 police officers, officers in charge and investigating officers from all the six police stations under Phek district have registered for the programme.