The High Court of Meghalaya in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authorityobserved Constitution Day on Tuesday, the 26th November, 2024 at the District Prisons & Correctional Home, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong from 9:00am onwards.
The programme was graced by the Hon’ble Mr. Justice H.S. Thangkhiew, Judge, High Court of Meghalaya & Executive Chairman, Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority. Other senior officers present were Shri. E. Kharumnuid, MHJS, Registrar General, High Court of Meghalaya-cum-Member Secretary, Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority, Smti A.M. Pariat, MHJS, Registrar (Judicial Service)-cum-Central Project Coordinator, High Court of Meghalaya, Shri. T.T.M. Sangma, MJS, Officer on Special Duty, Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority, Shri B.M. Sangma, MJS, Joint Registrar (Listing)-cum-OSD to Hon’ble Chief Justice, High Court of Meghalaya, Shri. J.D. Marbaniang,Superintendent,District Prisons & Correctional Home, Shillong, Advocate Sudeep Rana, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, DLSA, East Khasi Hills Districtalong with other Officers and staff of the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority and Jail Authorities.
The programme includeda brief inaugural session followed by legal awareness sessions for the jail inmates.
The inaugural session commenced with a welcome speech from Shri. T.T.M. Sangma, MJS, Officer on Special Duty, Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority followed by a brief address from the Hon’ble Mr. Justice H.S. Thangkhiew, Judge, High Court of Meghalaya & Executive Chairman, Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority. 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. 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.
Speaking on the occasion, He emphasized 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 inaugural program concluded with a vote of thanks from Shri. J.D. Marbaniang,Superintendent,District Prisons & Correctional Home, Shillong.
Thereafter, the Hon’ble Mr. Justice H.S. Thangkhiew, Judge, High Court of Meghalaya & Executive Chairman, Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority along with Shri. E. Kharumnuid, MHJS, Registrar General, High Court of Meghalaya-cum-Member Secretary, Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority, Shri. T.T.M. Sangma, MJS, Officer on Special Duty, Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority and Jail authorities also conducted Jail Inspectionto oversee the condition of jails and services provided for the well-being of inmates.
Moreover, the programme included brief legal awareness sessions on Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties with Special Reference on Right to Life delivered by Smti A.M. Pariat, MHJS, Registrar (Judicial Service)-cum-Central Project Coordinator, High Court of Meghalaya; the Basic Structure of the Constitution of India with special reference on Rights of Prisoners delivered by Shri B.M. Sangma, MJS, Joint Registrar (Listing)-cum-OSD to Hon’ble Chief Justice, High Court of Meghalaya, and on Free Legal Aid, Lok Adalat and Plea Bargaining delivered by Advocate Sudeep Rana, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, DLSA, East Khasi Hills District, and thereafter the programme also included interactive session between the Judicial officers, advocates and the jail inmates.