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Thursday, November 10, 2011

SSLSA observes National Legal Services Day

AMEET OBEROIGANGTOK, 09 Nov: The Sikkim State Legal Services Authority [SSLSA] observed the National Legal Services Day at the conference hall of the High Court of Sikkim today. The meeting was chaired by Justice SP Wangdi, Acting Chief Justice, High Court of Sikkim and Executive Chairman, Sikkim State Legal Services Authority.
Speaking during the meeting, Justice SP Wangdi informed that in 1995, the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, as amended by the Act of 1994, came into force and the National Services Day is thus observed to mark the day. This Act was passed with the sole objective of fulfilling one of the directive principles of State policy enunciated in Article 39-A of the Constitution of India that is ‘Equal justice and free legal aid’.
Initially, the work of SSLSA was giving legal aid and holding Lok Adalats, but later SSLSA widened the scope of its activities adding some pioneering initiatives which were adapted by many other states as well, he said.
He also stated that there was a need to have training programmes on Juvenile Justice Act and that Legal Aid Clinics would also be set up soon.
The meeting also saw the activities of the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority thus far being reviewed, while revision of “Sitting fees” for “Other Person” constituting the Lok Adalats defined in Section 19(2) (b) of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 was also discussed and publication of booklet for school children in “Lessons in Law” by SSLSA on the basis of the one published by the Himachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority, as recommended by Executive Chairman, National Legal Service Authority was also taken.
The concept of legal service is mandated by the Constitutional requirement and a duty is imposed on the State to ensure justice to its citizens with equal opportunities for all, especially the poor and downtrodden sections of society. However, mere enactment of law is not enough. It has to be ensured that the spirit of the Constitution and its purpose are properly carried out and fulfilled by the implementing agencies. Therefore, the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority, District Legal Services Authorities and Taluk Legal Services Committees of this State all strive towards this objective of providing free legal services to those in need and ensuring ‘access to justice for all’.
Since April 1998 till October 2011, 4,464 persons have been provided legal aid by SSLSA, 111 Lok Adalts have been held in High Court since inception, wherein 644 cases were instituted and 639 settled till September, 2011.
The meeting was also attended by Power Minister, Sonam Gyatso Lepcha, Chief Secretary, Karma Gyatso, the Director General of Police, Jasbir Singh, Secretaries of HRDD, Social Welfare & Justice Department and other government and SSLSA officials.

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