PAKYONG: The Kanooni Sahayog Abhiyan, conceptualised under the guidance of the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, was organised today at the Community Hall, Pakyong. The programme was conducted by the Office of the Legal Consultant, Chief Minister’s Office, in collaboration with the Legal Cell.
Launched in line with the Government’s vision of a Sunaulo, Samriddha, Samarth Sikkim, the campaign aims to ensure justice at the grassroots level and encourage community participation in building a Nasha-Mukt Sikkim. By making legal support simple, accessible, and free, the initiative seeks to move beyond awareness to empowerment and action.
Led by the Legal Consultant to the Chief Minister, Ms Puja Lamichaney, and her team, the campaign focuses on:
- Disseminating awareness on basic legal rights
- Providing free legal consultations and affidavit services
The programme was graced by Zilla Adhyaksha, Ms Laden Lhamu Bhutia, as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries present included Chairperson, Commerce & Industries Department, Ms Nim Chiki Sherpa; Sr SP Pakyong, Ms Paru Ruchal; Legal OSD to HCM Ms Sonam Choden; OSD to MLA Gnathang Machong, Mr MB Gurung; Legal Cell President Mr Tempo G Bhutia; Vice President (In-Charge), Legal Cell, Mr Rajendra Upreti; Vice President, Legal Cell, Mr OP Bhandari; along Press Secretary to the Chief Minister, Mr Yougan Tamang.
Addressing the gathering, Zilla Adhyaksha highlighted the significance of the Abhiyan in empowering communities through legal awareness and access to free legal services. She further urged Panchayat members to share the knowledge gained with the wider public.
The Senior Superintendent of Police, Pakyong, shed light on common cases in the district and elaborated on the Sikkim Anti-Drugs Act, 2006 (SADA), which complements the NDPS Act but is tailored to address local challenges. She credited the police for their proactive role in preventive measures, noting a decline in SADA-related cases and the absence of recent POCSO cases in the district. She called for collective efforts in creating a safer society.
Vice President (In-Charge), Legal Cell, emphasised that the campaign, under the Chief Minister’s vision, seeks to bring legal services to people’s doorsteps. He also explained basic procedures in money suits, underscoring the importance of written agreements in financial dealings. Additionally, he spoke on various State Government schemes such as the Sikkim Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana (SASY), the Vatsalya Scheme, and Mero Rukh Mero Santati.
The Vice President, Legal Cell, also briefed on the recently launched Nari Adalat initiative, a community-based women-run forum to resolve local disputes informally. He further elaborated on consumer rights, encouraging citizens to be aware of their entitlements including the rights to safety, information, choice, representation, and redressal.
Furthermore, Joint Secretary Legal Cell Mr Kamal Adhikari delivered a session on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. He explained that the Act safeguards women from physical, sexual, emotional, mental, and economic abuse, while providing reliefs such as Protection Orders, Residence Orders, Monetary Relief, Custody Orders, and Compensation Orders. He also highlighted the concept of Zero FIR, which allows a complaint to be registered at any police station regardless of jurisdiction.
He further spoke on constitutional safeguards for women, drawing attention to Article 14, which guarantees equality before the law, and Article 15, which prohibits discrimination while enabling special provisions for women and children.
In his address, Advocate Mr Sunil Baraily stressed the importance of basic legal aid and the principle of “justice at the doorstep.” He explained that laws are framed to protect rights, regulate responsibilities, and maintain social order. Touching on civil matters, he highlighted tenancy disputes, money suits, and the importance of written agreements in financial transactions. He also clarified the difference between civil and criminal defamation, as well as between civil and criminal cases.
Mr Baraily additionally spoke on the Sikkim Anti-Drugs Act, 2006 (SADA) and the ongoing awareness and enforcement drives by Pakyong Police. He also addressed the POCSO Act, 2012, emphasizing strict action against sexual offences involving minors, while cautioning against misuse of the law through false complaints.
The day’s programme included interactive sessions and one-on-one legal consultations, allowing participants to directly engage with legal experts.
The Kanooni Sahayog Abhiyan was earlier held at Rorathang in Rhenock and Chujachen constituencies and will continue to cover all constituencies in Pakyong District, benefitting a wide section of the population. - IPR Report
