Kamba, Oct 18: The first-ever one-day refresher workshop-cum-awareness programme on legal provisions was successfully conducted at Kamba today. The event was organized by the Office of the ADC, Kamba, in collaboration with the West Siang District Legal Services Authority (DLSA).
The programme aimed to enhance legal awareness among the Gaon Burahs and Head Gaon Burahs of the Kamba sub-division, focusing on key legal frameworks such as the Assam Frontier Regulation (AFR) Act 1945, AFR Amendment Act 2023, Arunachal Pradesh Civil Courts Act 2021, and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2024.
In his keynote address, ADC Tamo Riba underscored the importance of equipping local village authorities with a sound understanding of current laws to ensure effective grassroots justice delivery.
Adv Gorik Kamduk, resource person, presented a session on the NDPS Act, explaining critical sections such as Section 46 (General provisions regarding offences), Section 47 (Illegal cultivation of drug plants), Section 50 (Procedures for informing police), and Section 64(A) (Rehabilitation provisions for addicts).
Adv Karken Angu, Special Public Prosecutor for POCSO, District and Sessions Court, Aalo, elaborated on the POCSO Act, 2019, emphasizing legal safeguards against sexual offences involving children below 18 years of age and corresponding penal provisions.
Adv Marphy Ete spoke on the role of DLSA and Lok Adalat, highlighting that free legal aid is available for marginalized sections, including women, children, SC/ST members, persons with disabilities, beggars, and those in custody.
Adv Utumso Boo, secretary, DLSA-cum-CJM Aalo, provided an overview of the major reforms in India’s criminal justice system introduced in 2024. Adv Jaweplu Chai, Chairman, DLSA-cum-District & Sessions Judge, Aalo, guided participants on handling of local customary cases.
She explained that a customary case should be held three times, and if either party fails to appear after three summons, the Gaon Burahs may approach higher authorities. She also mentioned that fines up to Rs 3,000 may be imposed for repeated absence and urged GBs to exercise their powers responsibly under the AFR 1945 and Arunachal Pradesh Civil Courts Act, 2021.
The programme saw enthusiastic participation from Circle HGBs of Kamba and Darak, Gaon Burahs from both circles, and officials from the ADC Office, Kamba, marking a successful step toward strengthening legal literacy at the grassroots level. (DIPRO)