Judge of High Court outlines roles of legal aid lawyers

DIMAPUR — Judge of Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, Justice Nelson Sailo, has asserted that legal aid lawyers could do much more by interacting with those in conflict with law or those in need of legal assistance apart from courts.

Delivering the inaugural address during state-level advocacy skill training for legal aid lawyers, organised by the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) on Thursday at SIRD conference hall in Kohima, the judge called upon the panel lawyers and defence counsels to assist those people who are in requirement of legal aid and assistance.

Sailo stated that the profession of lawyers is not just to practice law but assist people in need of legal assistance, an update from NSLSA stated.

“Similar to those who need medical aid and assistance, even people who require legal assistance have tough times because they spend days, time and savings in order to get some legal aid,” the judge underscored.

Speaking on the role of the lawyers, Sailo stated that they should help people who are in need of their expertise.

“What is most important is your communication skills, how you interact with clients whom they are assisting,” the judge reminded and said that courts might go strictly by the law but legal aid lawyers could do much more by interacting with those who are in conflict with law or those in need of legal assistance.

Sailo added that they contribute much to assisting the court by doing their homework and presenting case through research and bringing up latest law. He, therefore, asked the lawyers to be sensitive with what their clients are looking for or what kind of trouble they are in and accordingly represent the cases of their clients to enable them to get justice.

He also encouraged the lawyers to remain focused and work hard in the profession saying, “How you present your case and how well prepared you are speaks a lot.”

The member secretary of NSLSA Victo Sema, delivered the welcome address.

Over 50 panel lawyers, retainer lawyers, legal aid defence counsel members and young practitioners attended the training.

During the inaugural programme, Justice Budi Habung, Judge of Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, and the registrar of Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench, Ajongba Imchen, attended the programme.

During the technical session, Advocate at Supreme Court of India, Vrinda Grover, spoke on navigating criminal justice system and highlighted on the need to have a broad base of legal and case strategy. She dwelled on the important role defense lawyer plays during remand stage and the purpose of staying in communication with the arrested person keeping in mind the need for safeguarding human rights.

The resource person took the participants on advocacy, lawyering skills, examination of witnesses and arguments.

The additional director of General of Police (Law and Order), Sandeep M Tamgadge, dwelled on overview of new criminal laws including the BNS, BNSS and BSA asserted the new laws replace laws created during colonial period with relevance on expediting justice system, focusing on digital technology among others.