Tuensang, April 2 (MExN): Tuensang District Legal Services Authority (TDLSA) organised training programme for the Gaon Buras (GBs) and Dobashis (DBs) of Panso circle on March 28.
Panso circle consist of eight villages namely Panso Village, Panso Town, Panso Nokeng, Yokao, Lengnyu, Ekhao, Tsuwao and Kingniu at Panso town EAC HQ. President, Panso GBs and DBs Union welcomed the TDLSA team and appreciated the Chairman TDLSA for choosing far flung place like Panso to be his first official trip after being posted in Tuensang as Principal District & Sessions Judge and Chairman TDLSA.
Er. Seyiekhrietuo Solo, EAC Panso in his speech mentioned that the importance of having the training programme with the GBs and DBs which will not only enlightened them in enhancing their knowledge but also helped them even in their day to day customary court proceedings. He also encouraged the DBs and GBs of Panso area to vigilantly uphold customary laws by performing their roles and duties stating that village is an integral part of every Nagas.
Er. Seyiekhrietuo Solo also referred the Rules for the Administration of Justice & Police in Nagaland and Article 371 of the constitution where protection of our customs, practices and traditions are guaranteed.
Victo Sema, Principal District & Sessions’ Judge cum Chairman TDLSA gave the perspective and the brief historical background of the customary courts and its functionaries in Nagaland. He also encouraged the GBs and DBs court to maintain the principal of natural justice, free and fair trial while taking up the cases and to maintain proper written record. He also highlighted the proceedings to be followed by the customary courts in comparison with that of judicial courts. Highlighting on the powers and duties of GBs, DBs and village councils as per the Nagaland Village and Area Councils Act, 1978, N. Kano, CJM and Secretary TDLSA also explained the qualifications and disqualifications to be a member of village councils. He also stated that under the Rules for the Administration of Justice & Police in Nagaland, 1937 GBs and other village authorities are designated rural police and they have the power to arrest any criminals and repress all disorders within their respective jurisdictions.
Speaking on the topic Women’s Right Vis-a-vis customary law, Yimtsusangla Chang, Master Trainer, NSLSA apparsied that fundamental rights like equality before law, freedom of speech and expression should not be denied and women should also be given equal opportunity of being heard and should not be suppressed merely because of being a woman. She also mentioned that while taking up the domestic violence and divorce cases, best interest of the children should be kept in mind and joint custody of children and custody of minor to the mothers are advisable. On property matter she also stated that women should also be given fair share of both movable and immovable properties from the acquired property of the parents.
During the interaction session the participants put up the question relating to practical aspects and challenges faced by them while taking up the matters, which were satisfactorily answered by both Chairman and Secretary TDLSA. The programme was chaired by Cheliam Khiamniungan, Master Trainer, NSLSA.
