Gauhati High Court Judge Justice Budi Habung has urged advocates, particularly young lawyers, to take an active role in legal aid programmes and awareness campaigns, saying the legal profession carries a responsibility to serve people who cannot afford legal representation.
He was speaking at the observance of Legal Services Day organised by the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) in collaboration with the High Court Bar Association (HCBA), Kohima, at the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, on November 10.
Justice Habung said legal aid should not be seen as a burden or an interruption to regular practice but as an opportunity to serve the poor and needy. He also called for legal awareness activities to reach remote areas, schools, colleges, workplaces and communities.
He launched legal booklets on six laws, including the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
Justice Pranjal Das lauded the NSLSA for extending its services to unreached areas. NSLSA Member Secretary Neiko Akami outlined the categories eligible for legal aid, while HCBA president CT Jamir also spoke.
Advocate Toshimenla Jamir chaired the programme, while HCBA general secretary Joshua Sheqi delivered the vote of thanks.