Justice Kalyan Rai Surana flags off multi-utility vehicles for NSLSA to boost legal aid outreach across Nagaland.
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DIMAPUR — Justice Kalyan Rai Surana of the Gauhati High Court and executive chairman of the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) flagged off multi-utility vehicles (MUVs) for the NSLSA and various district legal services authorities (DLSAs) at the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, on Tuesday.
According to a DIPR report, addressing the gathering at the flag-off ceremony, Justice Surana remarked that 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 and underscored that the mission of legal services remains ongoing.
He said the vehicles must be used strictly for their intended purpose and urged the legal services authorities to ensure their proper and responsible utilisation.
"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," he 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 marginalised and underserved communities, particularly those who lack access to legal aid.
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The judge stressed the importance of spreading awareness about the schemes and services available to help such individuals exercise their rights.
“It is a significant responsibility that you shoulder when you visit jails to assess the condition of undertrial prisoners and others who are incarcerated,” he said.
The judge 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 his 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.
He informed that the vehicles will be distributed to all districts to enhance mobility and outreach.
Emphasising 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.
He explained that 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 asserted that 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.”
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 have been entrusted with the responsibility of fulfilling this mandate through sustained and committed efforts.
CT Jamir, senior advocate and president of 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.