District Legal Services Authorities across Nagaland review undertrial cases, legal aid needs, bail recommendations and prisoner health.
DIMAPUR — District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) across Nagaland conducted their fourth quarterly Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) meetings on October 15 to review the cases, legal representation and health conditions of undertrial prisoners (UTPs) lodged in district jails.
According to an update, the meetings reviewed pending cases, identified prisoners requiring legal aid and considered recommendations for bail and other legal remedies in line with the directives of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
Wokha: The Wokha District Legal Services Authority (WDLSA) held its meeting at the District and Sessions Judge’s chamber, chaired by District and Sessions Judge and WDLSA Chairperson Seyielenuo Mezhu. The committee identified four UTPs for bail applications and directed the Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) to take further steps. Two other prisoners were identified for assessment of their legal aid requirements.
The committee was also informed that three sick or infirm UTPs were receiving medication under the supervision of the District Jail Authority. The hearing of an appeal filed on behalf of a convict identified during the previous meeting was scheduled for October. As of October 15, the district jail housed 27 UTPs and six convicts.
Kohima: The Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA) reviewed the cases of 49 UTPs and 10 convicts at the District Court Complex. The meeting was chaired by Principal District and Sessions Judge Mezivolu T Therieh.
The committee recommended default bail for one prisoner and modification of a bail order for another. It also directed the KDLSA retainer lawyer to obtain an updated status report on a case requiring urgent attention. Members from Kohima and Tseminyu districts attended the meeting.
Dimapur: The Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA) held its meeting at the court premises, presided over by DDLSA Secretary Julian. Representatives of the LADC team, Central and District jails, and retainer and panel lawyers participated. After reviewing cases of prisoners lodged in both jails, the committee referred 12 accused persons to the LADC for immediate legal representation.
Zunheboto: The Zunheboto District Legal Services Authority (ZDLSA) reviewed all six UTPs lodged at District Jail, Zunheboto, during a meeting chaired by Judicial Magistrate First Class-cum-ZDLSA Secretary Vesutolu Therie at the District Court Complex.
All six prisoners were represented by legal aid defence counsel, and jail authorities reported no sick or infirm inmates. The committee also examined pending cases to ensure access to legal representation and justice.
Phek: The Phek District Legal Services Authority (PDLSA), chaired by District and Sessions Judge and PDLSA Chairperson Duvelu Vero, reviewed 11 UTPs at District Jail, Phek.
All had legal representation, including seven through the LADC. Jail authorities reported no sick or infirm prisoners. The jail also housed 12 convicts.
Mokokchung: The Mokokchung District Legal Services Authority (MDLSA) reviewed the status of prisoners at District Jail, Mokokchung, during a meeting chaired by Principal District and Sessions Judge and MDLSA Chairperson Victo Sema. All UTPs had legal representation. The jail housed 31 UTPs and 11 convicts.
Mon: The Mon District Legal Services Authority reviewed 54 UTPs and 11 convicts, totalling 65 inmates, at a meeting chaired by District and Sessions Judge and DLSA Chairperson Nokshei Kano.
Following the review, three UTPs were recommended for legal representation through the LADC, while another was recommended for a bail application through the same mechanism.
Kiphire: The Kiphire District Legal Services Authority conducted its meeting through video conferencing, presided over by Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-DLSA Secretary Holika Sukhalu.
The committee reviewed all nine UTPs lodged at District Jail, Kiphire, which also housed one convict. No UTP was identified for default bail.
Tuensang: The Tuensang District Legal Services Authority (TDLSA) reviewed 30 UTPs and four convicts at District Jail, Tuensang.
The meeting was chaired by Principal District and Sessions Judge and TDLSA Chairperson Somet Chumden Chang. Four UTPs were identified as entitled to legal aid. The committee also examined a proposed extension of the UTP ward at District Hospital, Tuensang, but noted that space was currently unavailable for the expansion.
Peren: The Peren District Legal Services Authority (PDLSA) held its monthly UTRC meeting on October 14 at District Jail, Peren, chaired by Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-PDLSA Secretary Khrievono Seletsu.
The committee reviewed all 13 UTPs and recommended one for a bail application, directing the LADC to take further steps. One prisoner was also found to be sick and in need of medical attention, prompting directions to jail authorities to arrange appropriate medical examination and treatment.
The jail housed 19 inmates, including six convicts, with no female inmate reported.