Shillong:
The Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA) in collaboration with High Court Legal Services Committee, Shillong and District Legal Services Authority, East Khasi Hills held an observation of Legal Services Day 2023 on Thursday at Kongthong village, Khatarshnong Laitkroh C & RD Block in East Khasi Hills district. Legal Services Day is observed on November 9 every year across the country to commemorate the enactment of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
Speaking on the occasion, N I Dkhar, MJS, Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, East Khasi Hills briefly highlighted the provisions of the POCSO Act, 2012 and Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. She further sensitised the people on how POCSO Act protects children from offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and child pornography and provide establishment of Special Courts for trial of such offences and how the Act safeguarding the interest and well being of the children.
E Garod, legal assistant, High Court Legal Services Committee, Shillong, in her speech said the observance of the Legal Services Day is to spread awareness of the availability of the free legal services for the marginalised section of the society. She also emphasised on the significance of the fundamental rights and duties of every citizen. If anyone experiences any violation of their rights, they can approach the District Legal Services Authority and avail free legal aid, she added.
Other notable speakers included Advocate P Riahtam, legal aid counsel, District Legal Services Authority, East Khasi Hills district who spoke on free legal services including Lok Adalat and Women’s right while R Lyngdoh, assistant secretary, Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority briefly highlighted the Para Legal Volunteer scheme. The programme also includes displaying of MSLSA movie and distribution of pamphlets in the market area and nearby villages.
Meanwhile, Justice H S Thangkhiew, Executive Chairman, Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority has expressed gratitude on the occasion of the National Legal Services Day to the Legal Services Authorities namely the National Legal Services Authority, State Legal Services Authorities, District Legal Services Authorities and Legal Services Committees for discharging the function of creating legal awareness and granting legal aid to the citizens
In a press statement, Justice Thangkhiew also thanked administrative bodies and NGOs for extending necessary cooperation.
“The enthusiastic and great participation of the Government departments, Members of the Bar, Legal Aid counsels, Para Legal volunteers, heads of traditional institutions and the citizens of the state is indeed a manifestation of the warm and close understanding growing between the Legal System and the people, this message of gratitude is an indication of the commitment of the Legal Service Institution to the realization of the vision enshrined in the Constitution of India. We look forward to the good work and to intensify our efforts in providing quality legal services and bridging the gap between the State, the Judiciary and the citizens of Meghalaya,” said the press statement.