Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA), in collaboration with Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA) and Central Jail, Chümoukedima held an awareness programme on NALSA JAGRITI Scheme, 2025 on the theme “Rights in Custody, Dignity for All” at Central Jail, Chümoukedima on July 18.
Delivering the keynote address, NSLSA Member Secretary, Neiko Akami, NJS highlighted that deprivation of liberty does not extinguish constitutional and human rights. He stressed the importance of ensuring access to free legal aid, legal awareness and effective prison legal aid mechanisms for all persons in custody.
The member secretary emphasised on legal facilitation for eligible prisoners seeking remission, premature release, parole and furlough, while underscoring the need for capacity building of Jail Visiting Lawyers, Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) and prison officials through the effective use of the e-Prisons Portal and e-Remission Module.
He also called for strengthening Prison Legal Aid Clinics (PLACs), organising “Know Your Case” drives to help inmates understand the status of their cases and available legal remedies, identifying eligible prisoners under the Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) framework, and enhancing legal literacy through awareness programmes and participatory activities.
The Member Secretary further underscored the importance of inter-departmental collaboration and partnerships with law universities, law colleges and other institutions to promote legal awareness, rehabilitation and the successful reintegration of prisoners into society.
As per latest statistics collected by the Jail committee officials, there are a total of 199 prisoners currently lodged at Central jail out of which 122 Under Trial Prisoners , 56 convicts, 14 lodged under NSA and 7 on NDPS related cases. Member Secretary further informed that legal aid was extended to 4 convicts all of whom have been released from jail this month.
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Central Jail, Jailor, Zubemo briefed participants on remission and premature release of eligible convicts who are entitled based on their behaviour inside the jail and also good conduct towards other inmates and towards jail authorities.
He pointed out the procedures and informed that the list of convicts is sent to the government and after the approval, eligible ones are forwarded during Independence Day celebrations. He said the convicts are encouraged to be in their best behaviour and be a responsible citizen after their serving period ends.
Speaking on the theme, “Rights in Custody, Dignity for All,” Adv Khumchuba explained that the JAGRITI Scheme aims to strengthen legal awareness and ensure access to free legal aid for those unable to engage legal counsel. He said the Legal Services Authorities and Legal Aid Defense Counsel (LADC) system provide legal assistance to eligible persons, adding that the constitutional rights of all persons in custody, including convicts and undertrial prisoners, remain protected under the law.
Adv Rokovitsu Khate spoke on the rights and dignity of prisoners, stating that while certain liberties may be restricted following conviction, their fundamental right to life and dignity continues to be protected. He emphasised prisoners’ right to be informed of legal proceedings, the right to a speedy trial, and the right to choose legal representation. He also highlighted the importance of educational, vocational and rehabilitative activities within prisons to facilitate the successful reintegration of inmates into society, while reiterating the principle that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
The programme was chaired by Visheli H Yepthomi, Panel Lawyer.
