Member Secretary, Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA), Neiko Akami, NJS, on Friday inaugurated a Legal Services Clinic (LSC) at KROS College, Lerie, Kohima.
Speaking to students after inaugurating the clinic, Akami cautioned young people against involvement in illicit drug activities, stating that even possession or transportation of a small quantity of drugs could have serious legal consequences.
He said offences relating to narcotic drugs, including possession, transportation, sale and trafficking, attract stringent punishment depending on the nature and quantity of the substance involved. Beyond imprisonment and fines, he said, involvement in drug-related offences could have serious and long-term consequences on a person’s life.
Akami also urged students to be aware of laws relating to sexual offences against children, particularly the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Referring to rape and sexual assault cases, he stressed the seriousness of such offences and the severe legal consequences for perpetrators. Citing the Nirbhaya case, he said the case demonstrated the seriousness with which sexual violence is viewed and the importance of ensuring justice for victims.
He further cautioned students against the creation, possession, transmission or dissemination of child sexual abuse material, noting that such acts constitute offences under the POCSO Act and carry stringent punishment. He urged students to exercise particular caution in using and sharing material involving children online.
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Highlighting another major function of legal services authorities, Akami spoke about the National Lok Adalat, an alternative dispute resolution mechanism that facilitates amicable settlement of cases. He said it can take up both pending and pre-litigation matters, including motor accident claims, loan recovery cases, matrimonial disputes and certain utility-related disputes.
Akami said more than 200 cases had been resolved through the first two National Lok Adalats held this year, with two more sessions scheduled. The third National Lok Adalat was also being held on September 12.
Presenting on NALSA (Child-Friendly Legal Services for Children) Scheme, 2024, Asen Walling, Panel Lawyer, Kohima DLSA expressed that for a very time, child laws and its mechanisms were governed and delivered by adults.
However, the scheme provides for ensuring that any children who come into contact with legal procedure both as victims or in conflict with law, it ensures that the system of assistance is child-sensitive, age-appropriate and focused on the child’s best interests.
The lawyer noted that it is not merely about providing a lawyer to a child, but creates a child-friendly legal support system around the child. In such case, Walling noted that lawyers who deal with children are specially trained Lawyers who are expected to understand child psychology and trauma, child rights or other institutions. She said District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) are the first point of contact to access this scheme.
Asen Longkumer, Panel Lawyer, Kohima DLSA chaired the programme & Dr Vehutalu Vero, Assistant professor, Department of History, IQAC co-ordinator, KROS College delivered welcome note.
