NSLSA awards panel lawyers, volunteers on National Legal Services Day

DIMAPUR — Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) held a state-level commendation programme for best paralegal volunteers, best panel lawyers, and legal service clinics at educational institutions (school- and college-level) in commemoration of National Legal Services Day at DPDB hall, DC office complex, Kohima, on November 9.

Awards in the five categories were presented during the programme. Longleng District Legal Services Authority’s (DLSA) P Monyei Phom was named the best panel lawyer, and Tuensang DLSA’s Imsutoshi Sangtam was named the best community paralegal volunteer. Hito Swu of Zunheboto DLSA was named the best paralegal volunteer in prison.

Kohima College, Kohima, was awarded the best legal aid clinic in an educational institution (college level), and Stella Higher Secondary School, Kohima, was awarded the best legal aid clinic in an educational institution (school level).

According to a press release, registrar, Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, Ajongba Imchen, while delivering a special address, opined that there must be a legal revolution in every village by educating people about their constitutional rights and entitlements. 

Imchen remarked that the legal services institution is the most important institution in the Constitution of India and is thus entrusted with the task of uplifting the weaker sections and bringing change to society.

He urged the panel lawyers and paralegal volunteers to learn about people’s rights and to spread legal awareness to the most vulnerable groups.

However, the registrar emphasised that this mission of legal services can only be fulfilled by those who have a strong desire to change the system. He said legal services should not only be free but competent and appropriate to suit the needs of people, whether individuals or groups, so that people also have confidence in their work.

Imchen directed them to work in accordance with the Legal Services Authorities Act’s mandated goal of providing free and competent legal services to the underprivileged.

While delivering the keynote address, member secretary Victo Sema said that National Legal Services Day is a day to reflect and plan for the future, adding that today, the Legal Services Authorities Act has expanded beyond four walls to reach all citizens of the country.

Speaking about how the legal services institution came to be, he stated that legal services have evolved into a massive mission, with each component operating independently under a unified command. According to Sema, providing services to the poor requires collective support.

He asked the members to remember the pioneers who made the day possible and urged them to make a solemn pledge to contribute to the grand scheme of things.

P Monyei Phom, the best panel lawyer, also shared her experience as a panel lawyer in the legal services institution.

Also read: Nagaland DLSAs identify prisoners eligible for release in UTRC meetings