Nagaland: Justice Medhi inaugurates NSLSA services stall at Hornbill Festival

Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi, Judge, Gauhati High Court and executive chairman, Arunachal Pradesh Legal Services Authority, inaugurated the Legal Services Stall set up by the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, during the ongoing 26th Hornbill Festival on December 1.
Delivering a short speech after the inauguration, Justice Medhi said the main purpose of the stall was to reach out to the people in need of justice. He urged panel lawyers and para legal volunteers to extend their services so that the needy could access their rights and entitlements.
Citing the Victim Compensation Scheme, he pointed out that the Supreme Court of India has mandated trial courts to speedily dispatch compensation, mentioning that victims should not be made to wait but be able to claim immediately. He lauded NSLSA for proactively spreading awareness and organising legal activities, noting that its transparent documentation of activities has enhanced visibility. He further called for sustaining the initiative with renewed zeal for the benefit of the masses.
On the occasion, Justice Medhi also handed over victim compensation cheques to District Legal Services Authorities. Principal District & Sessions Judge, Kohima cum Chairperson Kohima DLSA, Mezivolu T. Therieh, NJS, received the cheque on behalf of victim beneficiaries.
As part of the Hornbill Festival, NSLSA under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority will operate a 10-day Legal Services Stall to provide free legal services.
Earlier, member secretary Neiko Akami, NJS, delivered the welcome note and highlighted the importance of setting up the stall. He informed that important laws and acts have been translated into local Naga dialects and Nagamese for those preferring languages other than English.
At the stall, visitors can access legal literature and booklets on new laws, acts and rules, seek legal advice or consultation, and avail free legal assistance and representation. Information on Lok Adalats, mediation, victim compensation, Legal Aid Defence Counsels, and early release of undertrial prisoners will also be available. Services will be provided by para legal volunteers and panel lawyers throughout the 10 days.