Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 21 August 2024
In a significant step towards enhancing the safety and well-being of society, a comprehensive legal awareness program was organized on August 20, 2024, at the Lecture Gallery of JNRM, focusing on the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and crimes against women. The event was a collaborative effort by the Andaman & Nicobar State Legal Services Authority (A&N SLSA), the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), and JNRM.
The program was inaugurated by Mr. Bhawani Shanker Sharma, Member Secretary of A&N SLSA, who delivered a compelling address highlighting the critical need to raise awareness about the increasing incidence of crimes against women and children under the POCSO Act and the growing menace of narcotics in the Islands. Mr. Sharma commended the recent efforts of the A&N Police in dismantling drug networks, which have significantly contributed to safeguarding the community. He emphasized the importance of spreading awareness across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to combat these pressing issues, calling for collective action.
Delivering a detailed briefing on the POCSO Act, Mr. Neyaz Alam, Ld. Special Judge for POCSO & NDPS Acts and Chairman (i/c) of DLSA, underscored the Act’s pivotal role in protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. He stressed the necessity of ensuring that justice is not only delivered but delivered swiftly and effectively to uphold the integrity of the legal system. Mr. Alam also highlighted the critical role of understanding legal provisions under the POCSO Act as a defense against the exploitation of vulnerable members of society.
Mr. Diptendra Nath Mitra, Ld. Judge of the Family Court, Port Blair, provided an in-depth analysis of the NDPS Act, discussing its significant impact since its enactment in 1985. He noted that while the Act is stringent in penalizing offenders and seizing illegal substances, it also offers avenues for rehabilitation, which is essential in the fight against drug addiction. Mr. Mitra emphasized that the NDPS Act not only serves as a deterrent but also as a means of providing a second chance to those who have fallen into drug abuse, advocating a balanced approach to addressing this serious issue.
Secretary (Education), Mr. L. Kumar, IAS, expressed profound gratitude to A&N SLSA and DLSA for organizing this critical awareness initiative at JNRM. He highlighted that over the past two years, the A&N Administration has intensified its efforts through various awareness programs led by the Police and Social Welfare Departments. Mr. Kumar underscored the life-saving importance of the “Say No to Drugs” message, noting that educational institutions play a crucial role in shaping young minds and equipping them with the knowledge to make informed choices.
SP (Narcotics), Mr. Rajeev Ranjan, IPS, reinforced the unwavering commitment of the A&N Police to eliminating the drug menace from the Islands. He revealed that in the last three years, 165 NDPS cases have been registered, leading to the arrest of 245 individuals, marking a significant crackdown on the drug trade. Mr. Ranjan’s address highlighted the operational success of the A&N Police in curbing the influx of narcotics, demonstrating the effectiveness of law enforcement when coupled with community awareness.
SP District South Andaman, Ms. Niharika Bhatt, IPS, delivered an empowering address on women’s rights to live with dignity, safety, and security. She discussed the newly introduced Criminal Laws by the Central Government, which signify a shift from a punitive to a justice-oriented approach, aiming to create a robust criminal justice system that not only upholds the rule of law but also ensures that justice is accessible and swift for all. Ms. Bhatt emphasized the evolving legal landscape, reflecting the changing societal needs and the importance of legal reforms.
In his welcome address, the Principal of JNRM, Mr. H.K. Sharma, expressed deep appreciation to A&N SLSA and DLSA for choosing JNRM as the venue for this vital awareness program. He acknowledged the role of such initiatives in fostering a culture of legal awareness and responsibility among students, who are the future custodians of society.
The program concluded with a highly interactive session, where Mr. Bhawani Shanker Sharma and other esteemed judicial officers engaged directly with participants, addressing their concerns and clarifying doubts. The event culminated with a solemn pledge by all attendees to actively contribute to eradicating the drug menace from India. This collective commitment underscores the broader impact of the program in mobilizing community efforts against these pressing social issues. The event was coordinated by Associate Professor Dr. Manju Nair, and a vote of thanks was proposed by Campus Incharge, JNRM, Dr. Bala Krishnan.