In a significant step towards strengthening access to justice at the grassroots level, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), West Jaintia Hills District, inaugurated a Legal Care and Support Centre at Mupyut Village under Amlarem Sub-Division on Friday. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between rural communities and the justice delivery system by providing legal assistance and facilitating access to essential government services.
The programme was inaugurated by Shri N. A. Khan, District & Sessions Judge-cum-Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, West Jaintia Hills District, in the presence of Smti V. Kezo, Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Amlarem, Shri K. M. Sangma, SDPO, Amlarem, Shri Riwan Hinge, President, Jaintia Hills District Bar Association, Shri Rymbai, Judicial Magistrate First Class, Amlarem, Dr. F. Lamin, Medical Officer, Jarain PHC, officers from various departments, village authorities and residents.
Welcoming the gathering, Shri L. S. Khonglah, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel, highlighted that the Legal Care and Support Centre has been established under the provisions of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, which guarantees equal access to justice for every citizen irrespective of economic or social status. He informed the gathering that the Centre would assist people facing issues such as domestic violence, assault, neglect of family responsibilities, child welfare and other legal concerns while connecting them with the appropriate legal and government authorities. He urged the residents of Mupyut Village to utilise the Centre whenever they required legal guidance and support.
Delivering the Legal Awareness Programme, Smti F. Lyngdoh, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel, sensitised the gathering on the availability of free legal aid, the role and functions of the newly inaugurated Legal Care and Support Centre, and the rights of citizens under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. She informed the villagers that eligible persons, including women, children, Scheduled Tribes, senior citizens, victims of violence and economically weaker sections, are entitled to free legal services. She encouraged the public to make full use of the Centre for legal advice, dispute resolution, protection of their rights and assistance in accessing government welfare schemes and other public services.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Riwan Hinge, President, Jaintia Hills District Bar Association, emphasised the importance of legal awareness and urged the villagers to make effective use of the Centre to safeguard their rights and seek timely legal assistance whenever required.
In his welcome address, Shri Chanki Kyndait, Waheh Chnong (Headman) of Mupyut Village, expressed gratitude to the District Legal Services Authority for establishing the Legal Care and Support Centre in the village. He welcomed the Chief Guest, dignitaries, officials, media representatives and villagers, and stated that the Centre would greatly benefit the community by promoting justice, peace and the overall welfare of the people.
Addressing the gathering, Shri N. A. Khan stated that the inauguration marks only the beginning of a long-term effort to ensure justice reaches every citizen. Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, he recounted a case involving a witness from Mupyut Village who was hesitant to appear before the court due to fear and intimidation by an accused person who had been released on bail. The incident, he said, underscored the need for a local support mechanism where people could seek legal guidance and assistance without travelling long distances to courts or police stations.
He said the Legal Care and Support Centre would serve as a vital link between the villagers and institutions such as the courts, police and government departments. Besides legal matters, the Centre would also facilitate assistance in issues concerning children’s education, access to healthcare, ambulance services and other welfare-related concerns by guiding citizens to the appropriate authorities. He encouraged the villagers to make full use of the facility and assured that the District Legal Services Authority would regularly monitor its functioning to ensure that justice and essential public services become more accessible to the people of Mupyut Village. He also congratulated the village headman for his visionary leadership and commitment towards the welfare of the community.
` The programme concluded with an interactive session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Smti D. G. Kharshiing, Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, West Jaintia Hills District, and refreshments for all participants.