Legal awareness programme organised
Source: Chronicle News Service

Tamenglong, September 02 2022: A one-day Legal Awareness Programme was organised on Friday by District Legal Services Authority, Tamenglong at Shekinuh-Inn, here on the topics 'National Lok Adalat and its Importance' and 'The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act)' under the joint sponsorship of Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA) and National Legal Services Authority (NLSA).

The programme was attended by District & Sessions Judge, Tamenglong cum Tamenglong DLSA chairman N Rajnikanta Singh, DLSA secretary Dr Laishram Rina Devi, advocates Daniel P Kamsuan and PG Thairiklung, Chingkhiuluang Ward No 5 chairman Namruang, senior citizens, women, teacher and students of Christian Heritage Institute, Tamenglong.

DLSA chairman Rajnikanta stated that POCSO Act, 2012 is a special law enacted for the protection of children below 18 years from offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography.

He further stated that Lok Adalat is commonly known as people's court wherein cases are disposed of only on the basis of a compromise or settlement between the parties in dispute by making an award in terms of the said compromise or settlement arrived at.

Lok Adalat enhances in speedy disposal of cases in an amicable way, he explained.

As a resource person of the programme, PG Thairiklung deliberated on National Lok Adalat and its importance and stated that Lok Adalat is organised under the Legal Services Authority Act, 1987.It is a forum where cases or disputes pending in a court or at pre-litigation stage are compromised/settled in an amicable manner.

Matters that can be settled in Lok Adalat include Money/Bank Loan recovery, Electricity, Water Bills and other bill payments excluding non-compoundable; Motor Accident Claims; Matrimonial disputes except divorce; Revenue cases; civil cases; Criminal Compoundable cases etc.

He further elaborated that once the matter is decided, it becomes final and binding on all the parties and no appeal shall be entertained against such award of Lok Adalat.

Advocate Daniel, another resource person, stated that POCSO Act, 2012 is a special, gender neutral and a comprehensive law.

The Act extends to the whole of India, he said, adding that offences against the Act shall have to be reported to the Special Juvenile Police Unit or the local police.

Comment