Zunheboto, May 13 (MExN): Legal awareness and sensitization programme was organized by Zunheboto District Legal Services Authority (ZDLSA) at Ao Baptist Church, Zunheboto on May 12. Officials from Observation Home Zunheboto besides the PLV, Panel Lawyers, Prosecutions, ZDLSA officials and members from the church attended the programme.
Speaking on ‘Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015’, Tovi Z. Yeptho, Retainer Lawyer ZDLSA, drew attention on the impact people are unaware on their rights and informed on penalties against children and penalties for the offences committed against children. He explained in detail about the Act, the distinction between the child in conflict of law and the child in need of care and protection.
Tovi Z. Yeptho appraised that juveniles are not to be treated or tried as adults but are to be set up an inquiry by the Juvenile Justice Board. He explained that when a child encounter to be in need of care and protection it has to be brought to the notice of the child welfare committee and the committee pass an appropriate order as per the inquiry from the concern officer of the District Child Protection Unit for rehabilitation and social re-integration of the child.
The resource person also lamented that when a juvenile comes in conflict of law, the common citizen focus on the offence committed by the child but fails to recognize that the adults abets to commit such offence. He therefore elaborated in detail on the Act, the provisions and the penalties for the offences committed against the child by adults.
Speaking on ‘Statutory Provisions of Women Rights’, Easter H. Yeptho, Panel lawyer ZDLSA gave a brief highlight on constitutional privileges, special laws for protection of women and special initiatives for women. She also discussed on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 and Sexual harassment of women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal Act 2013.
Easter emphasized that all the special laws enacted for protection of women and special initiatives could bring advancement, development and empowerment of women. She said that such laws could be successfully implemented with the widespread awareness among the church leaders, schools and public.
A press note said that earlier delivering introduction, Atoka Achumi JMFC/Secretary ZDLSA highlighted the aims and objectives of Legal Services Authority and laid stress on the importance of being aware of the free legal services available for citizens in all the legal care and support centers in districts across the state.
At the programme many queries were raised by participants, which were clarified by the ZDLSA officials, Probation Officer Observation Home Zunheboto and the resource persons. Earlier, an introduction prayer was pronounced by Tuden Ozukum, Pastor Ao Baptist Church. The programme was chaired by Bendanginla, Assistant Public Prosecutor Zunheboto and ended with the closing remarks by Katoly Chophy, Assistant Public Prosecutor Zunheboto.
