Judge of the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, Justice Parthivjyoti Saikia, has emphasized that every citizen should strive for excellence in their respective fields, as enshrined in the Constitution.
Addressing leaders from various tribal associations in Kohima during a programme on Constitution Day organized by the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) at Hotel Japfü, Kohima, today, Justice Saikia remarked that while people are entitled to several rights, the fulfillment of fundamental duties by every individual is equally paramount.
The judge highlighted Article 51(A), Sub-clause (j), which states that citizens should strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives and collective activities. “Regardless of one’s profession—be it as a lawyer, doctor, or engineer—it is our duty to excel in our respective fields,” Justice Saikia noted.
He further elaborated that the goal is to help the nation achieve higher levels of success and progress. He also stressed the importance of knowing and claiming one’s rights as citizens of India. “In many places, we see individuals not receiving their rights. This is why courts exist—to ensure the fundamental rights of every citizen of India,” he stated, emphasizing the Judiciary’s role in upholding these rights.
Justice Saikia called on people to be aware of their fundamental duties and suggested that awareness programs should begin at the school level to educate young people about their responsibilities as citizens.
As part of the Constitution Day programme, Justice Saikia led attendees in reading the Preamble of the Constitution.
Member Secretary of the NSLSA, Neiko Akami, NJS, in his keynote address, explained how Legal Services provide various forms of legal assistance to vulnerable members of society.
Citing an example, he noted that some undertrial prisoners remain in jail because they cannot afford a lawyer to represent their case due to financial constraints or lack of a support system. In such cases, Legal Services provides free legal representation.
“Guilty or not guilty, we reach out to all vulnerable individuals in need of legal assistance,” Akami said. He added that NSLSA is equipped with panel lawyers and para-legal volunteers trained to assist those in need, offering legal aid that extends from magistrate courts to appeals in the High Court or even the Supreme Court.
He highlighted that services such as drafting affidavits, submitting representations to competent authorities, or completing paperwork requiring legal expertise are also provided by the Legal Authority.
Akami underscored the importance of National Lok Adalats, held quarterly, as a forum for resolving cases efficiently. In Nagaland, the three most common types of cases handled include bank loans, MACT cases, and petty issues. Such cases, which could take several years in regular courts, are often resolved in a single day through this forum, he said.
DIGP (CID) of Nagaland Police Headquarters, Dr. KPA Ilyas, IPS, spoke on the NDPS Act, the conviction rate, and strategies to control the drug menace in the context of Nagaland.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by NSLSA Retainer Lawyer Apila Sangtam.
The event was attended by leaders from various tribal and civil society groups.