In commemoration of National Legal Services Day, Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) organized a state level commendation programme for ‘Best Para Legal Volunteers’, ‘Best Panel Lawyer’, and ‘Legal Service Clinics’ at educational institutions (School and College level), on November 9 at DPDB Hall, DC office complex, Kohima.
In a press release, PRA, NSLSA informed that during programme, awards under 5 categories were presented. P Monyei Phom from Longleng DLSA was awarded ‘Best Panel Lawyer’ and Imsutoshi Sangtam from Tuensang DLSA won ‘Best Community Para Legal Volunteer’ (PLV) while Hito Swu from Zunheboto DLSA was given the ‘Best Para Legal Volunteer’ (PLV) in prison
Kohima College, Kohima under Kohima DLSA was given the ‘Best Legal Aid Clinic’ in educational institution (College Level), and Stella Higher Secondary School, Kohima under Kohima was awarded ‘Best Legal Aid Clinic’ in educational institution (School Level). Registrar, Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, Ajongba Imchen in his address, opined that there must be legal revolution by enabling people to know about their rights and entitlement under the constitution.
Imchen said that legal services institution is the most important institution in the constitution of India and therefore, entrusted with the task of uplifting the weaker sections of the state and bring change into the society. He encouraged the panel lawyers and para legal volunteers to understand the rights of the people and spread legal awareness to the weaker sections.
The registrar however, underscored that this mission of legal services can only be fulfilled by those who have a passion and extra determination to change the system. He said legal services should not only be free but competent and appropriate to suit the needs of the people whether individual or group so that people also have confidence in their work.
Member secretary, Victo Sema, NJS in his keynote address, said that the commemoration of the National Legal Services Day was a day for the legal services members to retrospect and introspect and to have a clear roadmap for the future.
He said the Legal Services Act today is not institutionalised to four walls but has reached out to the farthest corners to reach all citizens of the country.
Best panel lawyer P Monyei Phom shared her experiences as a panel lawyer in the legal services institution. The programme was chaired by legal aid defense counsel, Kohima, Kezhosano Kikhi, and welcome address was delivered by chief judicial magistrate, Kohima, Wokono Yhoshii.