Shillong, November 9: The Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA) in collaboration with High Court Legal Services Committee, Shillong and District Legal Services Authority, East Khasi Hills District held an observation of Legal Services Day 2023 on 9th November 2023 at Kongthong village, Khatarshnong Laitkroh C & RD Block, East Khasi Hills District. Legal Services Day is observed on 9th November every year across the country to commemorate the enactment of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
Speaking on the occasion, Smti N.I Dkhar, MJS, Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, East Khasi Hills District briefly highlighted the provisions of the POCSO Act, 2012 and Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. She further sensitize 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.
Smti E.Garod, Legal Assistant, High Court Legal Services Committee, Shillong, in her speech she said that the observance of the Legal Services 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 and 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 notable speakers included Advocate P. Riahtam, Legal Aid Counsel, District Legal Services Authority, East Khasi Hills District who spoke on Free Legal Services including Lok Adalat and Women’s right and Shri R.Lyngdoh, Assistant Secretary, Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority who briefly highlighted on the Para Legal Volunteer scheme. The programme also includes displaying of MSLSA movie and distribution of pamphlets in the market area and nearby villages.
