Mon, February 27 (MExN): The Member Secretary of the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA), Neiko Akami Thursday paid an official visit to Mon District Jail along with officials from the Mon District Legal Services Authority (Mon DLSA) on February 26. The team was accompanied by the District & Sessions Judge, Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Panel Lawyer of DLSA, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC), and Jail Para Legal Volunteer (PLV).
During the visit, the Member Secretary addressed and interacted with inmates, underscoring the importance of legal aid and access to justice. He informed the inmates that free legal services are available through the Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) system to represent and pursue cases at no cost. He also highlighted that Lok Adalats are conducted quarterly to facilitate amicable settlement of cases, including compoundable offences, ensuring timely justice delivery.
Speaking on the various services under the legal aid scheme, Akami emphasized the Victim Compensation Scheme and cited instances where victims’ families received compensation through the Legal Services Authorities. He noted that in 2025, Mon DLSA awarded monetary compensation amounting to Rs 6,00,000 to three families under the Victim Compensation Scheme, 2012.
The Member Secretary also appreciated the efforts of the Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) for recommending and facilitating the release of three undertrial inmates in a timely manner. He commended the Mon DLSA and LADC for their dedicated service and encouraged them to continue their efforts to ensure effective access to justice for all.
Encouraging inmates to use their time in custody for self-reflection and reformation, he stressed the reformative approach of the justice system and urged them to maintain confidence in the justice delivery mechanism.
Following the interaction, the Member Secretary inspected the jail premises and recommended the installation of a European-style toilet in the female ward to improve sanitation and basic facilities.
