The Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) today organized a state-level orientation programme for Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) at Japfü Hotel, Kohima.
Delivering the keynote address, Ajongba Imchen, NJS, Registrar of the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, emphasized that Para Legal Volunteers are mandated under Article 39(A) of the Constitution to provide free legal aid to the poor and marginalized sections of society. He described PLVs as the most powerful individuals to represent the marginalized within their respective jurisdictions.
Explaining the appointment process, Imchen noted that Sections 4 and 6 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, empower the Member Secretary to appoint PLVs in all districts.
Citing Article 39(A), he reiterated that the state government is mandated to ensure justice and provide free legal aid through legislation, schemes, or any other means, so that justice is not denied due to economic or other disabilities.
Clarifying the role of PLVs, he stressed that their work should not be equated with general volunteering, but must remain within the purview of legal aid. “For instance,” Imchen said, “buying a bag of rice and delivering it to a calamity-hit person is not the duty or responsibility of a PLV as per constitutional provisions—it is a mission. It’s not about financial or material help. The mission is to do with legal aid.”
He elaborated that in situations such as natural calamities, PLVs should help victims understand and access their legal rights, including victim compensation or relief under state and fundamental rights provisions. “Even though you are volunteers, your mission is to help people access their legal rights. Your duties go beyond the traditional notion of volunteering,” he said.
Imchen also stressed that it is the fundamental duty of PLVs to provide legal aid and protect the rights of the marginalized. “It is the fundamental right of the poor to receive legal aid from PLVs,” he added, emphasizing that PLVs should be the most resourceful individuals within their jurisdictions. “No NGOs are in the Constitution, but the Constitution has mandated you to perform your job,” he stated, urging PLVs to work sincerely and become “success story tellers” through evidence-based action.
NSLSA Member Secretary Neiko Akami, NJS, in his welcome address, stated that the core concept of PLVs is to serve the poor and downtrodden. He added that volunteering means acting selflessly for the public good and encouraged PLVs to coordinate, engage, and carry forward the aspirations of marginalized communities. He urged PLVs to remain in close contact with the front office and actively participate in the Common Minimum Programme.
During the orientation session, Kezhosano Kikhi, Deputy Legal Aid Defense Counsel, Kohima, spoke on the concept, roles, and responsibilities of PLVs. Sunjib Rana, Retainer Lawyer, Kohima District Legal Services Authority, presented a session on the ethics, professional conduct of PLVs, and the importance of maintaining activity registers, reports, and records.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Cherry Ovung, Panel Lawyer, NSLSA. More than 50 PLVs from various District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) participated in the orientation.
