Kohima hosts Constitution Day highlighting rights & duties of citizens

November 27, 2024 3 Views No Comment

KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 27 (MExN): Justice Partivjyoti Saikia of the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, called on citizens to strive for excellence in their respective fields, as enshrined in the Constitution of India, during a Constitution Day program organized by the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) at Hotel Japfü in Kohima.

Addressing a gathering of leaders from various tribal associations, Justice Saikia emphasized that while citizens are entitled to numerous rights, it is equally important to uphold fundamental duties. He referenced Article 51 (A) Sub Clause J, which encourages citizens to strive for excellence in all aspects of life and collective activities, urging individuals in all professions—whether law, medicine, engineering, or others—to excel in their respective fields.

“Regardless of one’s profession, it is our duty to be good at what we do,” Justice Saikia stated, stressing that the collective effort towards excellence would contribute to the nation’s growth and success.

The judge also highlighted the importance of awareness regarding one’s rights and fundamental duties. “In many place, we have seen that some people are not getting their rights. That is the purpose why the courts are sitting. We are duty bound to extend the fundamental rights to every citizen of India,” the Judge pointed out while noting on the role of Judiciary.

Justice Saikia called for awareness programs to begin at the school level, where the younger generation could be educated on their rights and duties. He underscored the importance of making fundamental duties known to every section of society.

As part of the Constitution Day observance, Justice Saikia led the audience in reading the Preamble of the Constitution.

Legal aid for vulnerable citizens
In his keynote address, NSLSA Member Secretary Neiko Akami, shed light on the critical role of Legal Services in assisting vulnerable members of society. He cited examples of undertrial prisoners, who, due to financial constraints, are unable to afford legal representation. “Legal Services provide free legal counsel to such individuals, ensuring that justice is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial status,” Akami explained.

“Guilty or not guilty, we reach out to every vulnerable in the context of legal arena or persons unable to afford to be represented by a lawyer,” Akami noted.

He also highlighted the extensive network of Panel Lawyers and Para Legal Volunteers available through Legal Services, who assist with legal aid at various stages, from magistrate courts to appeals at the High Court or even the Supreme Court. The services include drafting affidavits, submitting representations, and handling legal paperwork that only qualified lawyers can undertake.

Akami also spoke about the importance of National Lok Adalats, which are held quarterly to provide swift resolution of cases. In Nagaland, common cases dealt with in these forums include bank loan issues, motor accident claims (MACT cases), and petty disputes. Akami emphasized that such cases, which might take years in regular court procedures, can be resolved in a day through the Lok Adalat system.

Fighting drug menace
Dr KPA Ilyas, DIGP (CID), Police Headquarters in Nagaland, addressed the ongoing battle against drug abuse in the state. He discussed the NDPS Act (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act) and the strategies in place to control the drug menace in Nagaland.