NSLSA and KNSK conduct legal awareness in Mon with Justice Yarenjungla Longkumer, focusing on women's rights and POCSO.
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DIMAPUR — A legal awareness programme was conducted at the DRDA Resource Centre, Mon town, on February 28.
The programme was organised by the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) in collaboration with the Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong (KNSK) with the objective of promoting legal literacy and strengthening access to justice at the grassroots level.
According to an update, the programme was attended by Justice Yarenjungla Longkumer, Judge of the Gauhati High Court and Portfolio Judge, Nagaland, as the special guest.
In her keynote address, Justice Longkumer spoke extensively on gender equality and women’s empowerment. She observed that although women had limited opportunities in earlier times, significant progress has been made in achieving equality, with women now holding leadership positions in various sectors.
She elaborated on the constitutional and statutory safeguards available to women, including the principle of equal pay for equal work under the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976; protection against workplace harassment under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013; and remedies available under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. She further informed that women are entitled to free legal aid under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, ensuring access to justice irrespective of financial status.
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She also explained the concept of Zero FIR, which enables a victim to lodge an FIR at any police station irrespective of jurisdiction to ensure immediate legal action. She highlighted the legal safeguard regarding the arrest of women, stating that no woman shall be arrested after sunset and before sunrise except in exceptional circumstances and with prior permission of a judicial magistrate of the first class, with reasons recorded in writing.
She noted that legal awareness empowers individuals to understand their rights, seek remedies, and stand against injustice.
Neiko Akami, Member Secretary, NSLSA, elaborated on the mandate of Legal Services Authorities under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. He pointed out that legal services institutions focus on protecting vulnerable sections of society, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens. He explained the Victim Compensation Scheme, under which victims of crime are entitled to financial assistance and rehabilitation support, and encouraged the public to approach Legal Services Authorities without hesitation, as the services provided are free and confidential.
Ajongba Imchen, Registrar, Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, spoke on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act), explaining that a child under the Act means any person below 18 years of age.
He informed that Mon district presently has nine POCSO cases involving nine child victims, reflecting the seriousness of the issue. He highlighted provisions relating to speedy trial, mandatory reporting of offences, and child-friendly procedures during investigation to ensure the protection and dignity of child victims.
Further, B Peter Resu, Joint Registrar (Judicial)-cum-CPC, Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, elaborated on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, explaining the remedies available under the Act, including protection orders, residence orders, monetary relief, custody orders, and compensation.
He stated that domestic violence is a violation of a woman’s dignity and assured that legal remedies and institutional support are readily available.