Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: The Nagaland Legal Services Authority finished 2026 by closing 977 cases through three state-wide Lok Adalats. Total settlements hit Rs 9,83,86,354. The authority handled 1,339 cases in total, according to member secretary NJS Neiko Akami.
Legal aid is free for the economically vulnerable. The Legal Aid Defence Council operates in all 11 districts with a chief, deputy, and assistant lawyer on contract. Dimapur runs an extra council due to its high caseload. Local lawyers handle the work. Funding flows from the Centre for salaries and awareness programs, supported by the National Legal Services Authority and state grants.
District legal services authorities function under the leadership of a Principal District and Sessions Judge and a Judicial Magistrate. Disputes typically involve bank loan defaults, motor accident claims, matrimonial issues, and compoundable offenses. Akami noted that unsatisfied parties can still take their cases to higher courts.
The Nagaland Compensation Scheme, 2012, paid out Rs 72.8 lakh to 54 victims between January and August 2026. Minors made up 41 of those recipients. Akami wants the outdated scheme updated to include victims of acid attacks, wildlife conflicts, and gang rape. "The objective is to ensure that everyone has access to justice without delay," Akami stated.
Officials are tracking a rise in domestic violence and sexual crimes against children. Outreach efforts include radio broadcasts and orientations with Supreme Court lawyers. Staffing shortages and unreliable witness appearances remain persistent hurdles. The authority hires extra technical staff to keep the system moving.
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