The Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) on Friday organized a state level orientation programme for Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) at Hotel Japfü Kohima.
Delivering the keynote address, Registrar Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, Ajongba Imchen pointed out that that PLVs are mandated under Article 39 (A) of the Constitution of India to provide free legal aid to the poor and marginalised sections of the community, and they are, therefore, the most powerful persons to represent the marginalized people in their jurisdiction.
Speaking about how PLVs are appointed, he pointed out that Section 4 and 6 of the Legal Services Authority Act, 1987 gives the authority to a member secretary to appoint PLV in all the districts.
Imchen noted that it Article 39 (A) mandates the state government to ensure and provide justice and free legal aid, by suitable legislation or schemes or in any other way, to ensure that opportunities for securing justice to the poor and the downtrodden. These provisions, he said, aims to guarantee that the opportunity of securing justice are not denied due to economic or other disabilities.
Stating that the PLVs mission is to do with free legal aid, Imchen elaborated that in the situation of a natural calamity taking place, a PLV can act up by looking at what the rights and entitlements are for the victims of the calamity which may come in the form of victim compensation or relief entitled by the state government under the fundamental rights of a citizen. He also underscored that PLVs should be the most resourceful person in the jurisdiction they are present.
NSLSA member secretary, Neiko Akami while delivering the welcome address opined that the main concept of the PLVs is to help the poor and downtrodden. He said the notion of volunteering is to do something good for the people and added that it is for them to come out voluntarily, coordinate and carry forward the needs and aspiration of people and the downtrodden.
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The member secretary asked the PLVs to be sincere in their work and to keep in touch with front office and also actively engage themselves in Common Minimum Programme.
During the orientation session, deputy legal aid defense counsel Kohima Kezhosano Kikhi spoke on the concept of PLVs and their role, duties and responsibilities.
Meanwhile, retainer lawyer Kohima District Legal Services Authority, Sunjib Rana presented the ethics and professional conduct of PLVs and maintenance of PLV activity register, report and record keeping.
More than 50 PLVs from the District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs).
