Members of the NSLSA, Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA) and Central Jail, Chümoukedima, during an awareness programme on the NALSA JAGRITI Scheme on July 18. (Photo Courtesy: NSLSA)
'Rights in Custody' awareness programme held at Chümoukedima Central Jail
Dimapur, July 18 (MExN): Deprivation of liberty does not extinguish constitutional and human rights, Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) Member Secretary Neiko Akami stated.
Delivering the keynote address at an awareness programme on the NALSA JAGRITI Scheme, 2025, held under the theme “Rights in Custody, Dignity for All,” at Central Jail, Chümoukedima, he stressed the importance of ensuring access to free legal aid, legal awareness and effective prison legal aid mechanisms for all persons in custody.
The programme was organised by the NSLSA in collaboration with the Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA) and Central Jail, Chümoukedima.
Meanwhile, Akami emphasised the need for legal facilitation for eligible prisoners seeking remission, premature release, parole and furlough.
He also underscored capacity building for Jail Visiting Lawyers, Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) and prison officials through effective use of the e-Prisons Portal and e-Remission Module.
According to the latest statistics collected by jail committee officials, a total of 199 prisoners are currently lodged in Central Jail, comprising 122 undertrial prisoners, 56 convicts, 14 persons detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and seven in cases related to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The Member Secretary further informed that legal aid had been extended to four convicts, all of whom were released from jail this month.
He further called for strengthening Prison Legal Aid Clinics (PLACs) and organising “Know Your Case” drives to enable inmates to understand the status of their cases and available legal remedies.
He also stressed the need to identify eligible prisoners under the Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) framework and enhance legal literacy through awareness programmes and participatory activities.
Akami further highlighted the importance of inter-departmental collaboration and partnerships with law universities, law colleges and other institutions to promote legal awareness, rehabilitation and successful reintegration of prisoners into society.
Central Jail Jailor Zubemo briefed participants on remission and premature release for eligible convicts based on their behaviour inside the jail and conduct towards fellow inmates and jail authorities.
He informed that the list of eligible convicts is sent to the government for approval, following which eligible cases are forwarded during Independence Day celebrations.
Zubemo added that the convicts are encouraged to maintain good behaviour and become responsible citizens after completing their sentences.
Speaking on the theme “Rights in Custody, Dignity for All,” Advocate Khumchuba explained that the JAGRITI Scheme aims to strengthen legal awareness and ensure access to free legal aid for those unable to engage legal counsel.
He said the Legal Services Authorities and Legal Aid Defense Counsel (LADC) system provide legal assistance to eligible persons, adding that the constitutional rights of all persons in custody, including convicts and undertrial prisoners, remain protected under law.
Advocate Rokovitsu Khate, speaking on the rights and dignity of prisoners, said that while certain liberties may be restricted following conviction, their fundamental right to life and dignity continues to be protected.
He highlighted prisoners’ right to be informed of legal proceedings, the right to a speedy trial and the right to choose legal representation. Khate also stressed the importance of educational, vocational and rehabilitative activities within prisons to facilitate the successful reintegration of inmates into society.
He further reiterated the principle that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law, informed a press release from the NSLSA.
