Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 14 July 2025
In a significant move to promote legal awareness and safeguard the rights of women and children, the Andaman & Nicobar State Legal Services Authority (A&N SLSA), in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), organized a Legal Awareness Programme on the ‘Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace’ (POSH Act) and the ‘Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act’ (POCSO Act) at the Community Hall, Ward No. 1, Haddo, Sri Vijaya Puram on July 12, 2025.
The programme was attended by key dignitaries including Mr. Rashid Alam, Registrar, Circuit Bench at Port Blair, Calcutta High Court-cum-Member Secretary, A&N SLSA; Mr. Niyaz Alam, Additional District & Sessions Judge and Special Judge, POCSO Court, Port Blair; Mr. Samrat Roy, Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Secretary, DLSA, A&N Islands; Ms. Tasneem Abid, Special Public Prosecutor, Port Blair; and Ms. Aakansha Singh, Advocate. Mr. R. Someswar Rao, Municipal Councillor of Ward No. 2, was also present on the occasion.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from Anganwadi workers, women employees of the Social Welfare Department, and residents of Haddo village. During the session, legal experts elaborated on the key provisions of the POCSO Act and POSH Act, sensitizing participants on issues of child protection, workplace harassment, and legal redress mechanisms.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Rashid Alam underscored the significance of both legislations. He explained how the POCSO Act ensures stringent punishment for sexual offences against children and mandates child-friendly procedures during investigation and trial. On the POSH Act, he emphasized the legal obligation of every workplace to constitute an Internal Complaints Committee and maintain a harassment-free environment. He also stressed that awareness and timely reporting are critical in upholding victims’ rights and ensuring justice.
Ms. Tasneem Abid highlighted the need for sensitive handling of POCSO victims, particularly girl children, and spoke about the responsibilities of various stakeholders—police, medical staff, and welfare authorities—in safeguarding the dignity and well-being of minor victims.
Mr. Niyaz Alam detailed the victim-centric procedures under the POCSO Act, including in-camera trials, restrictions on media reporting, and strict confidentiality regarding the identity of child victims. He emphasized the importance of creating a safe, trauma-free environment for affected children throughout the legal process.
Mr. Samrat Roy spoke about various legal aid initiatives undertaken by the Legal Services Authorities, including free legal assistance, victim compensation schemes, and the NALSA SAATHI campaign. The campaign, he said, aims to empower destitute children by facilitating Aadhaar registration, legal identity, and access to welfare entitlements under child protection laws.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr. R. Someswar Rao, who appreciated the efforts of the Legal Services Authorities in promoting legal literacy and strengthening community welfare through such outreach programmes.
