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Dr. Manazir Jeelani Samoon speaking during the workshop, in Wokha.[/caption]
Dimapur, July 25 (EMN): The Wokha District Legal Services Authority and the Bar Association (WDLSA) in collaboration with District Administrative Wokha organised a day workshop for the DBs and GBs on July 25 at Town Hall in Wokha.
Speaking during inaugural programme, the deputy commissioner (DC) of Wokha, Dr. Manazir Jeelani Samoon, said ‘since DBs and GBs are government servants appointed by the government to look into law and order situations within their respective village or jurisdiction they should practice effectiveness of justice through perception while delivering justice and should not be biased because of “clanism” or communalism so as to bring harmony in society, a press release from the legal services stated.
While pointing out the difficulties faced by administrative officers in dealing with the people because of the traditional practice and customary usage of the Nagas, DC said personal assistant to the administrative officer should assist the administrative officer in executing works within the district.
The secretary of WDLSA, Seyielenuo Mezhü, in her key note address said that Nagaland is a unique state because of traditional practices and customary usages, which is protected by Article 371 (A). he said DBs and GBs are encourage to follow the procedural aspects as in code of criminal procedure and civil procedure code in delivering justice to the people as the concept of justice is based on equity, good conscious and state of mind which is very relevant to the present society.
Advocate Stephen Yanthan spoke on Civil Procedure Code in the administration of justice. He enlightened the gathering about various procedural aspects of a civil suit starting from filing a plaint, submission of written statement, framing of issues, evidence stage, argument, and passing of judgement.
‘However at times, the proceedings in the customary court are devout if procedures are misguided and mislead by one party and judgement can be biased at times,’ he said.
Advocate W Rainbow Ngullie spoke on criminal procedure with special reference to children and women cases. He said that DBs and GBs are formed by the British for better communication between the British and the local people for better administration of justice. ‘The importance of customary court is important because of its connection with the grass root level,’ he said.
Ngullie said because of social stigma and customary subjugation, women are not coming forward. Stating that society cannot grow or develop without the participation of women, he advised GBs and DBs to encourage womenfolk to come forward to address their grievances. He also stressed that section 125 of code of criminal procedure entitles the women to claim compensation from their husband and sons.
Further, Ngullie stressed on the principle idea of juvenile in conflict with law and role of DBs and GBs.
Also, Advocate Oren Humtsoe talked on record keeping of court procedures. He said that while passing a judgement by a village court, detail written record of the facts and statement and reasons for the judgment or order is required. Therefore, he requested the DBs and GBs to cooperate with the civil court when a local commission is set up by the court in civil cases in a district court, the release added.
