The Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA) in collaboration with High Court Legal Services Committee and District Legal Services Authority, East Khasi Hills District observed the Legal Services Day at Kongthong village, Khatarshnong under Laitkroh C&RD Block today.
The day is observed across the country to commemorate the enactment of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Secretary, District Legal Services Authority N.I Dkhar highlighted the provisions of the POCSO Act, 2012 and Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. She sensitized 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.
Legal Assistant, High Court Legal Services Committee, E.Garod in her speech she said that the day is to spread awareness of the availability of the free legal services for the marginalized section of the society. She also emphasized on the significance of the Fundamental Rights & Duties of every citizen. If anyone experiences any violation of their fundamental rights, they can approach the District Legal Services Authority and avail free legal aid, she added.
Other who spoke included Advocate P. Riahtam, Legal Aid Counsel and R. Lyngdoh, Assistant Secretary, Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority.
The programme also includes displaying of MSLSA movie and distribution of pamphlets in the market area and nearby villages.
Meanwhile, Chief Justice (Acting) of the Meghalaya High Court and Executive Chairman of the MSLSA Justice HS Thangkhiew thanked the legal service authorities at the national, state and district levels for discharging the function of creating legal awareness and granting legal aid to the citizens.
He also thanked NGOs, government departments, the bar, counsels, volunteers, traditional institutions and the citizens. “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,” he added.
