A Legal Awareness Programme was held on February 28 at 10 am at the DRDA Resource Centre in Mon Town to promote legal literacy and strengthen access to justice at the grassroots level. The programme was organised by the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority in collaboration with the Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong.
The programme was chaired by Topha, Panel Lawyer, DLSA Mon, and was attended by Yarenjungla Longkumer, Judge of the Gauhati High Court and Portfolio Judge for Nagaland, as the special guest.
The programme began with an invocation by Mongyeang Konyak, Finance Secretary, KNSK, followed by a welcome address by Nokshei Kano, NJS, District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairman, DLSA Mon, who stressed the role of legal awareness in empowering citizens and ensuring justice for all. Ponglem Konyak, President, KNSK, highlighted the importance of community participation and women’s empowerment through legal knowledge.
In her keynote address, Justice Longkumer spoke on gender equality and women’s empowerment, outlining constitutional and statutory safeguards available to women. She referred to provisions under the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976, the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. She also informed that women are entitled to free legal aid under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
Justice Longkumer explained the concept of Zero FIR and safeguards related to the arrest of women, and emphasised that legal awareness enables individuals to understand their rights and seek remedies against injustice.
Neiko Akami, NJS, Member Secretary, NSLSA, spoke on the mandate of Legal Services Authorities and highlighted schemes such as victim compensation for vulnerable sections, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens.
Ajongba Imchen, NJS, Registrar, Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, spoke on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, and informed that Mon district currently has nine POCSO cases involving nine child victims. He highlighted provisions for speedy trials and child-friendly procedures.
B. Peter Resu, NJS, Joint Registrar (Judicial)-cum-CPC, Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, elaborated on remedies available under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Wokono Yhoshii, NJS, Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Secretary, DLSA Mon, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, resource persons, organisers, and participants. She also acknowledged Justice Longkumer’s visit and inspection of the ongoing jail construction in the district.
