The Member Secretary of the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority, Neiko Akami, on Thursday paid an official visit to Mon District Jail along with officials of the Mon District Legal Services Authority (Mon DLSA).
He was accompanied by the District and Sessions Judge, Chief Judicial Magistrate, Panel Lawyer of DLSA, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC), and Jail Para Legal Volunteer (PLV).
During the visit, the Member Secretary interacted with inmates and highlighted the importance of legal aid services. He informed them that free legal representation is provided under the Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) system to pursue their cases at no cost. He also apprised inmates that Lok Adalats are organised quarterly to facilitate amicable settlement of cases, including compoundable offences, to ensure timely access to justice.
Speaking on the services available under legal aid schemes, he emphasized the Victim Compensation Scheme and cited instances where compensation had been successfully awarded to victims with the assistance of the Legal Services Authorities. He noted that in 2025, the Mon DLSA awarded monetary compensation amounting to Rs 6 lakh to three families under the Victim Compensation Scheme, 2012.
The Member Secretary further appreciated the role of the Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) for recommending the release of three undertrial inmates and ensuring their timely release. He commended the Mon DLSA and LADC team for their effective work and encouraged them to continue their efforts to strengthen access to justice.
Encouraging inmates to use their time in custody for self-reflection and reformation, he underscored the reformative approach of the justice system and urged them to have confidence in the justice delivery mechanism.
Following the interaction, he inspected the jail premises and recommended the installation of a European toilet in the female ward to improve sanitation and basic facilities.
The visit reaffirmed the commitment of the Legal Services Authorities to promote legal awareness, access to justice, and welfare measures for inmates and victims alike.
