Legal services’ work is far from complete: HC Judge

Vehicles launched to take legal aid to Nagaland’s remotest corners

Kohima, April 28 (MExN): Flagging off vehicles for legal aid outreach, Justice Kalyan Rai Surana of the Gauhati High Court and Executive Chairman of Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) on Tuesday said the work of legal services authorities remains an ongoing mission as long as individuals in need of legal assistance exist and others continue to strive to exercise their rights.

“As long as there are individuals in need of legal assistance and others striving to exercise their rights, the work of legal services is far from complete,” Justice Surana said at the flag-off ceremony for Multi-Utility Vehicles (MUVs) for the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) and various District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) at the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench.

Stressing that the newly flagged-off vehicles must be used strictly for their intended purpose, Justice Surana was categorical that they should not become personal vehicles for any individual. “This is not intended to be a personal vehicle of anyone. So if you are going out on an outreach programme, definitely you are there to use it. But the end event must be that it should be used only for the purpose it is assigned,” the judge said. 

Highlighting the broader role of legal services beyond the courtroom, Justice Surana reminded officers and lawyers that their responsibilities extend far beyond the judicial and legal profession. He noted that through various outreach initiatives, legal services authorities play a crucial role in reaching marginalized and underserved communities, particularly those who lack access to legal aid. 

The judge stressed the importance of spreading awareness about the schemes and services available to help such individuals exercise their rights.

Highlighting the gravity of jail visits, Justice Surana said, “It is a significant responsibility that you shoulder when you visit jails to assess the condition of undertrial prisoners and others who are incarcerated.”

Justice Surana also commended the NSLSA for its commendable efforts in raising legal awareness across the state. He remarked that the scale and impact of awareness initiatives undertaken in Nagaland are remarkable and, in many respects, surpass those seen in several other states.

NSLSA Member Secretary Neiko Akami, in a welcome address, stated that the multi-utility vehicles were procured during the financial year 2025–2026 with the objective of strengthening the delivery of legal services across the state of Nagaland. “The vehicles will be distributed to all districts to enhance mobility and outreach,” he informed. 

Emphasizing the importance of transportation, Akami noted that accessibility remains one of the biggest challenges in reaching remote areas ensuring that legal services reach even the most inaccessible areas. “The primary purpose of the vehicles is to support lawyers and legal service functionaries who frequently travel to both nearby and far-flung locations to carry out legal aid activities,” he explained. 

“With the availability of these vehicles, our activities will further expand, enabling us to reach every nook and corner of Nagaland, including its most remote regions,” he added.

Referring to the constitutional mandate, he highlighted that Article 39A of the Constitution of India provides for “free and effective legal aid,” particularly for the poor and vulnerable sections of society, he noted that legal services authorities are entrusted with the responsibility of fulfilling this mandate through sustained and committed efforts.

CT Jamir, Senior Advocate and President High Court bar Association also extend appreciation for the various activities undertaken by the LSAs in the State.  Asenla Walling, Panel Lawyer, Kohima DLSA chaired the programme. 

The programme was also attended by High Court Judge, Justice Pranjal Das, High Court Bar, Kohima bar members, panel lawyers and high court staff.