Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 05 November 2023
The Andaman Law College, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), A & N Islands, organised a Special Interactive Workshop aimed at bolstering awareness and understanding of the legal framework governing the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The event featured expert insights from two distinguished legal professionals: the Learned District and Sessions Judge, Mr. Anupam Mukherjee, Chairman, DLSA, and the Learned Additional District and Sessions Judge, Mr. Bhawani Shankar Sharma, Special Judge, POCSO Court & NDPS Court, Port Blair, A & N Islands.
In a captivating lecture, the Learned District and Sessions Judge underscored the importance of creating widespread awareness of the POCSO Act and NDPS Act. He deepened attendees’ understanding of these legislations and emphasised their pivotal role in combating the social scourges associated with sexual offences against children and the adverse effects of drug consumption.
The Learned Additional District & Sessions Judge delivered a keynote address that encouraged active student participation and provided a comprehensive exploration of the topic. He stressed the necessity for law students to grasp the intricacies of these Acts and their practical implications. He quoted “Mera Sharir Mera Adhikar” as a preventive measure against sexual offences and cautioned against the detrimental effects of illicit narcotic drug and psychotropic substance use on individuals, families, and society at large.
Mr. Prashant Bhadu, Principal (i/c) of Andaman Law College, welcomed the participants and highlighted the evolving nature of the POCSO and NDPS Acts. He emphasised the need for open discussions on these subjects to curb these destructive tendencies.
The workshop served as a valuable platform to connect law students with real-world legal challenges and to deepen their understanding of the roles they will play in society as legal professionals. Approximately 200 students and staff members of Andaman Law College actively participated in the workshop, demonstrating the enthusiasm and commitment of the academic community in fostering a deeper understanding of these critical legal matters.