Akito Zhimomi, President, NBA speaking during the Dimapur Bar Association silver jubilee celebration on November 25. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | November 25
The Dimapur Bar Association (DBA) observed its silver jubilee celebration (1997-2022) themed ‘Excel and Inspire’ at Agri Expo, Chümoukedima on November 25.
Speaking on the theme, Akito Zhimomi, President, Nagaland Bar Association (NBA), stated that as lawyers it is the duty to dissect and scrutinise what people say at the personal and professional level. “As lawyers we must keep learning on a daily basis and be diligent, sincere and have an inquiring mind,” he said.
Zhimomi regretted that though the bar has produced luminary individuals certain circumstances have kept it from progressing and developing to a much higher level. ‘This included the lack of a separate high court for Nagaland in spite of 60 years of statehood,’ he stated. On this, he mentioned that ignorance of the law and judiciary especially by those in power and authority, lack of political will especially at the level of the central government were the main reasons.
“The future of the people of Nagaland should not be made subject to political expediency and we must be given our high court as soon as possible,” he said. Another aspect was tribalism which has played a detrimental effect in inhibiting the growth of the legal fraternity in the state. Negativity had also prohibited merit individuals from rising above by curtailing their progress, he observed. Therefore, he encouraged the gathering to work for the up-liftment of the legal fraternity and not to be led astray by selfish interests.
CT Jamir, President of High Court Bar Association (HCBA) highlighted the important elements of a democracy namely the legislature, executive and the judiciary. To maintain the rule of law it is the judiciary who makes sure that justice, fairness and equity were upheld, he said.
Jamir further discussed on the role of the judiciary with regard to the bench, made up by judges and the bar, which constitutes the advocates. In the profession of law, he noted that it not just a noble profession but of honour as well as a lawyer must be honest and work in an upright manner. ‘But looking at the present trend many lawyers do not doing justice to the cases,’ he observed.
A lawyer should remember that the law of profession should not be for private gain but for public gain. For this we need to be dedicated and dutiful, he added. As an officer of the court one should never solicit bribes or never advertise himself for profit. “If any member resorts to unethical practices, the bar can take initiative to cancel his/her license,” he said.
Delving on the five duties of an advocate, Jamir underlined the five Cs which were duties toward the client, colleague, court, community and country as essential to be valued.
Earlier, Hukavi A Zhimomi, President of DBA delivered the presidential address. Short speeches were presented by DK Nagi, first president of DBA and presidents of different district bar associations of Phek, Longleng, Wokha, Mokokchung and Peren. Invocation was given by Rev Tenga Seb, Pastor, Dimapur Rengma Baptist Church.
