Officials along with the participants during the inauguration of a Legal Services Clinic (LSC) at KROS College, Lerie, Kohima on September 11. (Photo Courtesy: NSLSA)
Kohima, September 11 (MExN): Member Secretary of the 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 the inauguration, Akami cautioned them against involvement in illicit drug activities, saying even possession or transportation of small quantities of drugs could have serious legal consequences.
He said offences involving narcotic drugs, including possession, transportation, sale and trafficking, attract stringent punishment depending on the nature and quantity of the substance involved. Apart from imprisonment and fines, involvement in drug-related offences could have serious and long-term consequences, he said.
Akami also sensitised students on 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 it demonstrated the seriousness with which sexual violence is viewed and the importance of ensuring justice for victims.
He also cautioned students against the creation, possession, transmission or dissemination of child sexual abuse material, stating that such acts constitute offences under the POCSO Act and attract stringent punishment. He urged them to exercise particular caution while using or sharing material involving children online.
Highlighting the role 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 being held on September 12.
Presenting the NALSA (Child-Friendly Legal Services for Children) Scheme, 2024, Asen Walling, Panel Lawyer, Kohima DLSA, said child-related laws and mechanisms had for a long time been governed and delivered by adults.
The scheme, however, provides that children who come into contact with the legal system, either as victims or children in conflict with law, receive assistance through a system that is child-sensitive, age-appropriate and focused on their best interests, she said.
Walling said the scheme was not merely about providing a lawyer to a child but about creating a child-friendly legal support system around the child. Lawyers dealing with children are specially trained and expected to understand child psychology and trauma, child rights and relevant institutions, she said.
She added that the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) serves as the first point of contact for accessing the scheme.
Asen Longkumer, Panel Lawyer, Kohima DLSA, chaired the programme, while Dr Vehutalu Vero, Assistant Professor, Department of History and IQAC Coordinator, KROS College, delivered the welcome note.
