Legal services clinic inaugurated in Losami village

DIMAPUR — A legal services clinic (LSC) was inaugurated at Losami village, Phek, on Tuesday, marking the fifth LSC under the Phek District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), following previous inaugurations at Meluri, Pfutsero, District Jail Phek, and Chetheba.

According to an update, the programme was chaired by Sekhotso Rokha, retainer lawyer, Phek DLSA. In his opening remarks, he highlighted the role of legal services clinics in providing accessible and free legal aid to the public.

Mezivolu T Therieh, District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairperson, Phek DLSA, spoke on the occasion about the concept of LSCs. She drew an analogy between a legal clinic and a medical clinic to explain how people can seek free legal assistance through these centres.

She also referred to Article 39A of the Constitution of India, emphasising the constitutional mandate to provide free legal aid to ensure justice for all, irrespective of economic or social barriers.

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Rhosietho Ngouri, Deputy Commissioner of Phek, congratulated Losami village for taking the initiative to host the clinic and shared insights on the relevance of customary laws and customary courts in the local justice system. He emphasised the value of LSCs in enhancing access to justice in rural areas.

Delivering the inaugural speech, Neiko Akami, Member Secretary of the Nagaland Legal Services Authority, highlighted various legal aid schemes under the Government of India, under which panel lawyers provide free legal services to the needy.

He explained the procedures for availing legal aid, including affidavits, declarations, and income certificates, and emphasised legal rights, particularly those of senior citizens, reaffirming the DLSA’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable groups through its outreach and services.