The High Court of Meghalaya in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA) observed Constitution Day today at the District Prisons & Correctional Home here.
The programme was graced by Justice HS Thangkhiew, Judge of the High Court of Meghalaya & Executive Chairman of the MSLSA and other legal officials.
The programme included a brief inaugural session followed by legal awareness sessions for the jail inmates.
Justice Thangkhiew said that as we commemorate Constitution Day, we reaffirm our commitment to the spirit of the Constitution, upholding the ideals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. Let us pledge to preserve its words and uphold its ideals in our daily lives, safeguarding the secular and democratic fabric of our nation, he added. Speaking on the occasion on the rights and responsibilities, he said that the task before us today is not just to remember the Constitution’s lofty ideals but to examine how we, as citizens and as a society, are living up to those ideals.
He emphasised the importance of safeguarding our republic’s secular nature, a principle crucial to our Constitution. Secularism unites us, ensuring we’re defined by our shared humanity, not differences. Our Constitution promotes respecting and celebrating India’s diverse languages, cultures and traditions.
The Constitution, he noted, is a living document that must be interpreted in light of contemporary realities, serving as a mirror to our times and a tool to shape our nation’s future. The Constitution is a dynamic, living instrument guiding our journey as a Republic. It’s not just a set of rules but a document that’s entrusted to each generation to enrich, interpret and keep relevant to all Indians, regardless of their background.
Justice Thangkhiew also spoke on the services and benefits being provided by the Legal Services Authorities, through the State Legal Services Authority, District Legal Services Authority and High Court Legal Services Committee meant for the needy the marginalised sections of society including people in correctional facilities. He also urges everyone to take the services of the Legal Services Authorities through the Legal Aid Clinics which are set up in all district jails through which inmates can seek legal assistance, be represented in courts and even file appeals, and they can also seek help and assistance from the Legal Aid Counsels, Para Legal Volunteers and Legal Aid Defense Counsels for free legal aid and representation in Courts and Police Stations.
The judge and the legal officials also conducted an inspection of the jail to oversee the condition of jails and services provided for the well-being of inmates.
