Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) organised a one-day sensitisation workshop on “Investigation and Prosecution Under ND and PS Act, 1985” on Sunday as a part of observance of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, at ADR Building, Lamphelpat, Imphal West, Manipur.
Special Judge Salam Imocha Singh of Fast Track Court (POCSO), Manipur-1 deliberated on the topic “Crucial aspects of Investigation of offences under ND & PS Act, 1985 with relevant directions of the Supreme Court”.
He emphasised on following the mandatory provisions of ND and PS Act and the need for proper seizure of contraband items and proper collection of evidence.
P Ibomcha, retired director of Prosecution, government of Manipur spoke on the topic “Prosecution of offences under ND & PS Act, 1985; along with case studies”. He gave a detailed presentation along with various case studies for a more effective investigation and prosecution. He also elaborated on the Do’s and Don’ts, following the procedures laid down in CrPC, Evidence Act, for proper prosecution under the ND & PS Act. It was a lively interaction session, where the Public Prosecutor’s and Investigating Officers (IOs) shared their issues and the best practices as well.
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The programme was attended by P Ibomcha, retired director of prosecution, government of Manipur, Ojesh Mutum, member secretary, Manipur SLSA and Sadananda Sorokhaibam, additional member secretary, Manipur SLSA as the presidium members.
The same programme was also organised by the District Legal Services Authority, Chandel under the aegis of Manipur State Legal Services Authority and National Legal Services Authority on “one day legal awareness cum sensitization programme for investigation of the cases under NDPS Act, 1985 for police officers and army personnel and a medical camp”.
It was organised as a part of the “observance of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking” in collaboration with special unit drug committee (NALSAs Drugs Scheme, 2015), Tengnoupal District and Tengnoupal Police, Manipur at IB Guest House, Moreh Police Complex and Moreh Primary Health Centre, Tengnoupal District.
Special Judge, NDPS Court, Lamphel Lamkhanpau Tonsing, as a resource person, spoke on the procedures under NDPS Act, 1985 and explained the proper system for seizure/arrest of banned substances. He also stated that the NDPS Act is a very serious Act and only the Police or Army cannot solely eradicate the Drugs Menace in the state but requires the cooperation and assistance of every stakeholder.
Aribam Guneshwar Sharma, District and Sessions Judge, Imphal West/ chairman, District Legal Services Authority, Chandel highlighted the provisions of CRPC and briefly explained the sections under CRPC. The chairman further spoke briefly on the case of Arnesh Kumar Vs the State of Bihar, 2014 which relates to the programme.
District gave a brief on the activities carried out by the team of Tengnoupal Police force and further shared the difficulties faced while doing so. David J Vaiphei, panel advocate, DLSA, Chandel/Member of Special Unit Drug Committee (NALSAs Drug Scheme, 2015), Tengnoupal District gave a brief on the NALSAs (Legal Services to the Victims of Drug Abuse and Eradication of Drug Menace) Scheme, 2015 and explained the role of a panel lawyer while implementing the scheme. He further talked on the legal provision of the scheme.
The programme was attended by Oinam Sukumar Singh, additional SP (Law & Order), Tengnoupal District/ member, Special Unit Drug Committee (NALSAs Drug Scheme, 2015) with Aribam Guneshwar Sharma, District and Sessions Judge, Imphal West/ Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, Chandel in the chair accompanied by and Lamkhanpau Tonsing, special judge, NDPS Court, Lamphel, Manipur, Kh Gojen Singh, CMO, Tengnoupal District, Mangleibi Sarungbam, Judicial Magistrate First Class, Moreh, David J Vaiphei, panel advocate, DLSA, Chandel and Premjit Singh, ASP, (Operations), Tengnoupal District. The Tengnoupal Police personnels, Army Personnels and members of Special Unit Drug Committee (NALSAs Drug Scheme, 2015), Tengnoupal district participated in the programme.
And also, District Legal Services Authority, Imphal West and District Legal Services Authority, Imphal East jointly organised an essay competition in connection with the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on ‘Drug Abuse and its Effect’ for student of Class IX to XII of Imphal West and Imphal East districts at Ram Lal Paul Higher Secondary School, Imphal West, Manipur.
During the programme MJS, District Legal Service Authority, Imphal East Heeralata Moirangthem explained to the students about Drug Abuse. Also, the students are made aware that the main objective of the essay competition programme is to impart knowledge and awareness regarding drug abuse and its effect to the future of the society.
The programme was successfully conducted with a participation of around 150 students from several schools of Imphal West and Imphal East districts.
