The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), West Garo Hills, Tura organized a Legal Awareness program at Kherapara Weekly Market on 6th March, 2024. It may be mentioned that the Legal Awareness program is being regularly held to create awareness among the general public about legal aid services and other provisions provided free of cost to the people at large. The program was organized by the District Legal Services Authority in collaboration with Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority under the aegis of National Legal Services Authority,
While speaking about the “Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005”, the Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, DLSA, Tura Rania K Marak informed that the act provides protection of the rights of women guaranteed under the Constitution who are victims of violence. any kind occurring within the family including not only physical violence, but also other forms of violence such as emotional, verbal, sexual and psychological abuse. She also said that in West Garo Hills district One Stop Centers are also available if anyone does not desire to go to court directly.
Legal Awareness program held at Kherapara Weekly Market
Further, while mentioning about the Women’s Rights under Section 498 A IPC, Article 15 of the Constitution of India, she said that the Act protects and safeguard a woman from the cruel and unruly behavior of her husband or in-laws which mostly relates to harassment. for dowry, etc. among certain communities.
Highlighting about the Maintenance Law under Section 125 Cr PC, she informed that wife can claim for maintenance for her children if her husband leaves her as per the provisions of the law, but advised her to seek legal aid because if her husband files for divorce in the court and if she do not attend then her absentee would disowned her right and therefore, she urged those victims to seek legal advice from Legal Aid Counsel.
Furthermore, she informed the people to keep especially their children and youth away from the ill-effects of drug abuse adding that drugs cannot be used or sold in the market like other things and consuming or selling of drugs would invite penalty and imprisonment for violators.
Stating that POCSO cases are on the rise, she requested the parents to be vigilant and care for their teenage children so that they do not become a victim of teenage pregnancy since such cases can come under POCSO Act. She also urged everyone to remain alert and understand if anything happens to seek legal advice whenever necessary.
