The State Mega Legal Services Camp was held at NBCC Convention Hall, Kohima on 12th April 2025.

Gracing the inaugural programme Nagaland Chief Secretary, Dr. J Alam, IAS who graced the occasion extended his appreciation to Nagaland State Legal Services Authority for organising the event and emphasized the state government’s commitment to promote legal services in Nagaland. He stated that the purpose of this camp was to create awareness and to educate the public about the welfare schemes being implemented by the Government. He also stressed the importance of village councils in dispensation of justice in the rural areas of the state, and stated that there are 138 legal aid clinics established across Nagaland which serves to deliver legal services and promote access to justice. Additionally, there are currently 11 district legal services authorities functioning in Nagaland which conducts legal awareness programs, workshops and that he is hopeful that the state mega legal services camp will enable more people access to legal services across Nagaland.

In his welcome address, Justice M.R. Pathak, Judge, Gauhati High Court & Executive Chairman, Nagaland, SLSA highlighted the importance of legal aid and access to justice for all, particularly the weaker sections of society such as the Scheduled Cast and Scheduled Tribe, women, persons with disabilities. He said that The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was formed for providing free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of society under the Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987. It also seeks to ensure that justice is not denied due to economic or other disabilities and to provide access to free legal aid and awareness across the country.

Vote of thanks was delivered by Neiko Akami, Member Secretary, Nagaland, SLSA during the inaugural programme. The camp commenced with an inauguration of stalls by the Nagaland Chief Secretary, Dr. J Alam, IAS followed by Inaugural programme and felicitation of dignitaries.

The valedictory programme of the State Mega Legal Services Camp was held on the same day which was graced by Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio and judges from the Supreme Court and the Gauhati High Court.

Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio on the occasion of the State Mega Legal Services Camp said that the legal fraternity of the country led by the Supreme Court of India and all subordinate courts have played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of India not only in the legal domain but more importantly in upholding equality of all citizens and creating an ecosystem for peaceful social fabric and growth of economy of the nation. The judiciary has been one of the strongest pillars of nation building since India’s independence.

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He highlighted upon the relationship between modern law and Naga customary law on three aspects stating that mediation is the order of the day for dispute resolution, whereas this is a concept several centuries old as per the Naga Customary law. The second is Capital Punishment which never existed amongst the Naga people and is an unknown concept in our customary practices. The third being Forgiveness and is the hall mark of our Customary law and in modern law attempts are being made to reform people who violate the law, he said.

He stated that Article 371(A) of the Constitution was inserted to address the unique circumstances present in our State. Under this article, protection is given to Naga customary laws, religious and social practices and the ownership and transfer of land and its resources.

Nagaland’s three-tier system of village courts, sub-ordinate district customary court and district customary court have many advantages. The Naga customary practices are still very strong and land disputes are resolved mostly in accordance with the customary practices. These courts are manned by the Gaon Buras and Dobashis who with their traditional red attire command respect in the community. Justice delivered by the traditional system is inexpensive, quick and widely acceptable in the community. Another uniqueness that has been enshrined since the British times is the Inner Line Permit, he added.

The Chief Minister also conveyed his appreciation to the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority and the Department of law and justice, Government of Nagaland for the success of this mega event.

Justice B.R Gavai Judge, Supreme Court of India and Executive Chairman, NALSA in his speech said that on his visit to Nagaland, the gesture shown towards him has imbibed an everlasting impression. He also applauded the cultural presentation by the different tribes which highlighted a melody of colours. He also acknowledged the NSLSA for organising the mega camp inspite of the short notice given. Gavai mentioned that Nagaland is one of the youngest state in the country and the State has different customary laws with special provision authorized by Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India. He mentioned that under the umbrella of NSLSA, awareness programs and camps in district wise will be organised which will reach to the most remote place so that the denizens will be well aware of their rights.

Speaking at State Mega Legal services Camp Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Government of India, Arjun Ram Meghwal said the Indian legal services raise awareness about legal rights, fighting for political, social and economic justice for all the citizens. He said legal camps help citizens to understand their entitlements and access them by identifying and connecting with free legal services. The Union Minister of State added mega legal services camp helps to identify individuals who are eligible for legal advice, assistance, and provides support to individuals facing legal problems, ensuring access to justice and Promoting the Legal Culture of the Indian constitution. He also expressed his appreciation for the vibrant and rich cultures of the Nagas.

Judge, Supreme Court & Mentor, NSLSA, Justice N. Kotiswar Singh began his address to the congregation by appreciating the people of Nagaland for their bravity, valiance and their colourful culture. Justice Kotiswar talked about his time as a judge in the Manipur high court where he also took on the role of Executive Chairman of NSLSA thereby trying understand the problems faced by the people of Nagaland in judicial matters.

Justice Kotiswar Singh said that there is a common misperception that the NALSA is the service of the judiciary alone but emphasized that it is not so. NALSA, he said, is not possible without the assistance of the various executive authorities at all levels and that there needs to be a collaborative effort at the grassroots level through the State, District and Tehsil Legal Services Authorities to secure justice and achieve the vision of the preamble. He also said that he is happy to know that the state government has provided vehicles to the grassroots judicial authorities for their easy travel in the hilly terrains of Nagaland and hopes the government provide further financial assistance as well.

Justice Kotiswar Singh ended his address by highlighting about the new role that the Lok Adalats under the new Mediation Act 2023 in relation to community mediation, where not just lawyers and judges but now respected members of the society can play as community mediators to facilitate justice.

Judge, Supreme Court of India & Chairman, Supreme Court Legal Service Committee, Surya Kant thanked NALSA, Government of Nagaland and NSLSA for the grand success of the State Mega Legal Services Camp. He said that during the making of the constitution that one of the fundamental principles that governed above all else was the principle of equality.

Justice Surya Kant stressed that the objective of the camp was to ensure the access of justice to all. He emphasised that in societies with large amount of people living below poverty line and marginalised citizens, NALSA has taken the task to achieve the same and it ensures that the people who do not have access to justice are provided for it at their doorstep.

Justice Surya Kant commended the NALSA and stressed that it is not just an institute or a statutory body but a movement for the masses. He ensured that that through NALSA the last men of the society can play a participatory role in facilitating justice and also gain access justice at no cost.

Delivering the welcome speech at the valedictory programme, Chief Justice, Gauhati Hight Court and patron-in-chief, Justice Vijay Bishnoi stated that the camp is a first of its kind being organised at the state-level. He said the camp was to provide free and accessible legal aid and make people aware of their legal rights. Justice Bishnoi also stated that the camp was the outcome of the collective effort of the National Legal Services Authority, Nagaland State Legal Services Authority, the District Legal Services Authority and the Government of Nagaland. He added that it is mandated by Article 39(A) of the Constitution which guarantees equal justice and free legal aid to all citizens.

During the programme, a special song was presented by the children from the Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home. A vibrant cultural presentation was presented by the Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA) showcasing the State’s rich culture and traditions.

The State Mega Legal Services Camp was organised by the Nagaland State Legal Sevices Authority (NSLSA) in collaboration with the Government of Nagaland & DLSA Kohima under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority. The camp saw participation from students, gaon buras, dobashis, NGOs, churches and public. Various facilities including Aadhaar enrolment & correction, registration for NBOCWWB, E-SHRAM, EPF, etc were also made available for the public. Stalls were also set up by government departments, providing various facilities to the public.