Legal literature booklets on six legislations released during Legal Services Day observance at Kohima Bench

Justice Budi Habung, Judge of the Gauhati High Court, has urged advocates, particularly young members of the Bar, to actively participate in legal aid programmes and awareness campaigns, describing such engagement as an opportunity to fulfil the social responsibility of the legal profession.

He was speaking at the observance of Legal Services Day 2026, 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, as part of the weeklong celebration.

Justice Habung emphasised that the legal profession was not merely a profession but also a form of public service, and that the responsibility of advocates extended to people who could not afford legal representation.

He urged advocates not to view legal aid work as a burden, clarifying that volunteering for such services did not require them to compromise their regular professional practice. Rather, it offered an additional opportunity to serve the poor and needy.

He also stressed the need to take legal awareness beyond courtrooms and conferences, particularly to remote habitations, women, schools, colleges, workplaces and communities.

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During the programme, Justice Habung released legal literature booklets covering six legislations: the Consumer Protection Act, 2019; Representation of the People Act, 1951; Juvenile Justice Act, 2015; Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013; Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended; and Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.

Justice Pranjal Das, Judge of the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, also addressed the gathering and lauded the NSLSA for going beyond its mandated responsibilities to reach unreached areas through its wide-ranging legal services.

Neiko Akami, NJS, Member Secretary of NSLSA, delivered the welcome address, outlining the categories of persons eligible for free legal aid under the Legal Services Authorities Act and explaining the Authority’s extensive role in providing legal services to different sections of society.

CT Jamir, Senior Advocate and President of HCBA, also delivered a brief address.

The programme was chaired by Advocate Toshimenla Jamir, while Joshua Sheqi, Advocate and General Secretary of HCBA, proposed the vote of thanks.