Legal Aid Clinic inaugurated at Baptist College Kohima

November 4, 2024 7 Views No Comment

Kohima, November 4 (MExN): A Legal Aid Clinic was inaugurated at Baptist College, Kohima, by Neiko Akami, NJS, Member Secretary of the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority, in a ceremony held on the college premises. The new clinic aims to provide essential legal support and services to students and community members.

In his address, Akami emphasized the foundational principles of law, linking them to the Ten Commandments, and described the clinic as a “basic help center” designed to offer legal assistance to those in need. He outlined several laws accessible to citizens through the clinic, including the Right to Education, Right to Information, Motor Vehicles Act, and National Food Security Act, among other social legislations. He highlighted the free legal services available at the clinic, such as legal advice, assistance with drafting applications, and help with obtaining legal documents like income certificates or name corrections. Akami stressed the importance of expanding legal awareness to colleges, schools, and rural areas, urging students to utilize the clinic’s resources to promote responsible citizenship and legal knowledge.

Wokono Yhoshii, Chief Judicial Magistrate and Secretary of the Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA), elaborated on the purpose of Legal Aid Clinics, stressing their role in ensuring access to justice for all, regardless of economic or social status. She noted that the clinic would not only serve the college but could also be a vital resource for residents in the surrounding area. Yhoshii encouraged students to explore the legal awareness pamphlets provided by the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority.

The event, chaired by Naro, Assistant Professor and convenor of the college’s Legal Aid Committee, began with a welcome address by Dr. Kewepfuzu Lohe, Interim Principal of Baptist College. The program included a musical presentation by Thrunso K and Enibemo Kikon, BA 1st semester students.