Tuensang District Legal Services Authority (TDLSA) organised a training programme for Gaon Buras (GBs) and Dobashis (DBs) of Panso circle on March 28 at Panso town EAC headquarters. Panso Circle consists of eight villages namely: Panso village, Panso town, Panso Nokeng, Yokao, Lengnyu, Ekhao, Tsuwao and Kingniu.
A press release from NSLSA public relation assistant stated that Principal District & Sessions’ Judge-cum-Chairman TDLSA, Victo Sema gave a perspective and brief historical background of the customary courts and its functionaries in Nagaland. He encouraged the GBs and DBs court to maintain the principles of natural justice and free and fair trials while taking up the cases and to maintain proper written records. He also spoke on the proceedings to be followed by customary courts in comparison with judicial courts.
EAC Panso, Er. Seyiekhrietuo Solo explained the importance of conducting training programmes with GBs and DBs which would not only enlightened them to enhance their knowledge but also help them even in their day-to-day customary court proceedings. Stating that villages are an integral part of Naga society, he encouraged the DBs and GBs of Panso area to vigilantly uphold customary laws by performing their roles and duties.
Solo also mentioned the rules for the administration of Justice and Police in Nagaland and Article 371 of the constitution where protection of our customs, practices and traditions are guaranteed.
Highlighting the powers and duties of GBs, DBs and village councils as per the Nagaland Village and Area Councils Act 1978, CJM and secretary TDLSA, N. Kano explained the qualifications and disqualifications for members of village councils. He also stated that under the rules for the administration of Justice and Police in Nagaland, 1937, GBs and other village authorities are the designated rural police and they have the power to arrest any criminal and repress all disorder within their respective jurisdictions.
Speaking on the topic Women’s Right vis-a-vis customary law, master trainer NSLSA, Yimtsusangla Chang apprised the gathering on fundamental rights like equality before law, freedom of speech and expression which, she said, should not be denied. Women should also be given equal opportunities to be heard and should not be suppressed on account of them being women. According to her, while taking up domestic violence and divorce cases, best interests of the children should be borne in mind and joint custody of children and custody of minors to mothers was advisable. On property matters, she also stated that women should also be given fair shares of both movable and immovable properties from inherited property.
President Panso GBs and DBs union welcomed the TDLSA team and appreciated the chairman of TDLSA for choosing a far flung place like Panso to be his first official trip’s destination after being posted to Tuensang as Principal District and Sessions Judge and chairman TDLSA.
During the interaction session, the questions put up by the participants relating to practical aspects and challenges faced by them were satisfactorily answered by both the chairman and secretary of TDLSA.
The training programme was chaired by master trainer NSLSA, Cheliam Khiamniungan who welcomed and thanked the gathering for attending the programme from near and far and he also thanked the administration for the cooperation and taking the initiative to organise the training.