Sri Vijaya Puram, July 26: The A&N State Legal Services Authority, in association with the District Legal Services Authority, A&N Islands, and the International Human Rights & Crime Control Organisation (IHRCCO), organized a Legal Awareness Programme yesterday at Brindavan Gram Panchayat, South Andaman on the topic: “Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace and Cyber Crime.” The programme commenced with the lighting of the lamp and a welcome song, “Vande Mataram.”
The event was graced by the presence of Shri Sudhir Kumar, Hon’ble District Judge-cum-Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, A&N Islands, along with Shri Rashid Alam, Learned Registrar, Circuit Bench at Port Blair, Hon’ble Calcutta High Court-cum-Member Secretary, A&N State Legal Services Authority, Shri Niyaz Alam, Learned Additional District Judge-cum-Judge, Special Court (POCSO), Port Blair, and Shri Samrat Roy, Learned Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, A&N Islands.
Also present were Smti. Saraswathi Narayan, National General Secretary & State President of IHRCCO, other IHRCCO officials, and Smti. Preeja Menon, Learned Advocate and Panel Lawyer of DLSA, A&N Islands.
Smti. Saraswathi Narayan delivered the introductory address, highlighting the objectives of the Legal Awareness Camp.
Shri Sudhir Kumar addressed the gathering on the safety of girls in schools and homes, as well as women’s safety in the workplace. He explained the process of filing complaints and the redressal mechanism in place.
Shri Rashid Alam spoke about the growing concerns of cybercrime, online frauds, and the so-called “digital arrest” scams. He explained how such crimes are committed and the appropriate way to report them. Shri Niyaz Alam focused on the POCSO Act and measures to ensure the safety of girl children. He also addressed the issue of child marriage and explained how and where to file complaints, elaborating on the functioning of concerned authorities.
Shri Samrat Roy spoke about child safety and various helpline numbers. He also informed the public about different schemes of the Legal Services Authorities, including free legal aid, mediation, Lok Adalats, and the importance of resolving disputes through pre-litigation mechanisms.
The villagers actively engaged with the dignitaries, asking legal queries, which were answered in detail.
The programme concluded successfully with the singing of the National Anthem.