WOKHA — The Wokha District Bar Association (WDBA) on August 3 held a sensitisation programme on the new criminal laws at Hammock Resort in Wokha town with the chairman of district legal services authority, Longshithung Ezung, and Advocate Limhathung Ezung as the resource persons.
The event was aimed at providing insights into the new criminal laws including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 and the Bharatiya Sakhsya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023.
In his addressing, Longshithung urged its members to pursue their profession not merely for financial gain but to genuinely assist the court in the proper administration of justice.
Speaking on the new laws, he highlighted on revisions and additions in various sections, while he also acknowledged the potential challenges, particularly the transition phase where cases registered before July 1 would follow the old laws, and those cases filed after that date would rely on the new ones.
He further gave a detailed explanation of the new bills and encouraged the lawyers to be eloquent with the updated laws.
Advocate Limhathung briefed the lawyers on the newly added definitions and changes in the law. He also highlighted on the introduction of community service as a form of rehabilitation and a punishment option for first-time offenders.
He explained that offences such as public servants unlawfully engaging in trade, attempted suicide, theft under five thousand rupees with recovery, public misconduct by a drunken person and defamation could result in community service penalties, while he also discussed the concept of abetment of offences under the new legal provisions.
The programme was attended by 53 registered members of Wokha District Bar Association.
The event was chaired by Advocate Orenvungo Humtsoe, senior advocate and president of Wokha District Bar Association.