Nagaland Judges’ Association holds 20th general conference

DIMAPUR — The 20th general conference of the Nagaland Judges’ Association (NJA) was held at De Oriental Grand, Kohima, on February 24, with Justice Devashis Baruah, judge of the Gauhati High Court, as the special guest, and T N Mannen, Advisor for Law and Justice and Land Revenue, as the guest of honour.

According to a DIPR report, during the programme, Baruah addressed how he began his legal journey and emphasised the importance of discipline for judges. He also highlighted civil laws in Assam and briefly mentioned his time in Kohima, as well as his experience in handling various criminal laws.

He enlightened the judges about the Constitution of India and how any action on the part of the state should have the least effect on the people.

Mannen, in his brief speech, emphasised the importance of ensuring the proper delivery of justice and articulated the need for clear interpretation of customary law and usages by the Nagas.

He also highlighted that customary law is subject to change and is dynamic rather than static. Furthermore, he underscored the significance of judges remembering that ‘justice delayed is justice denied’.

In his speech, Y Longkumer stressed the correlation between power and responsibility, urging judges to uphold honesty and integrity in their work. Longkumer also emphasised the importance of instilling faith and trust among the general populace in the judiciary.

Victo Sema, member secretary, Nagaland State Legal Services Authority, president NJA, presided over the programme, and Kumdilong Kessen, chief judicial magistrate-cum-civil judge (sr.) division, Longleng, and asst. general secretary, NJA, gave the vote of thanks.