Mr. M.K.Choudhury, President, Assam Chapter, LAF, introduced the guest and welcomed the gathering. He highlighted the commitment of the LAF towards the cause of ensuring better justice delivery standards for children and welcomed the guests individually. He expressed deep gratitude to the Hon'ble the Chief Justice to his benign presence and support from the High Court Registry. He also welcomed the Principal Magistrates and Members of Juvenile Justice Board, the most important functionaries under the Act as it is their perception and sensitivity that could have major impact on the future of the juvenile in conflict with law. He also welcomed the other participants who came from all over the State to be a part of the seminar.

The introductory address was given by Mr. Vijay Hansaria, National President, LAF. He shared with the audience about the experience of LAF in Assam relating to Juvenile Homes. The condition of Juvenile Home at Guwahati was dismal as the inmates were kept in most unhygienic conditions and without proper food. Legal Assistance Forum got these children examined by team of doctors and distributed medicine. He stated that in some other place, that enquiry against Juvenile is concluded in same manner as a proceeding in a regular court room and next dates, many a times, are given beyond 6 months and cases continue for years though the Act mandates that the inquiry be completed in four months. He further added that by conducting this seminar the main aim of LAF is to sensitize all the stakeholders to come together and take urgent steps to improve justice delivery standard for children.

Mr. Sonikuty George, Project Officers, UNICEF, India stated that best interest of the child can only be protected by the concerted efforts of the Judiciary, Police Officer, Social Welfare Department and civil society organization. He also stated Staff of Observation Home and Special Home should maintain a child friendly atmosphere and each child sent there is entitled to get four nutritional meals.

Mr. R.N.Mathur, Director General of Police, Assam said that unfortunately juveniles have been in trapped by vested interest in carrying out subversive activities in the State. He admitted that Police has a huge responsibility in the matter of ensuring the Juvenile in rendering Justice and added that Assam Police had initiated steps to ensure that the Act along with Rules are implemented in Assam. He emphasized that men in Khaki needs to be given effective training programme which makes them to have a child friendly approach and for this reason he has instructed members of Special Juvenile Police Units from all over the State to attend the Seminar organised by LAF.

Hon'ble Mr. Justice Jasti Chelameshwar, Chief Justice, Gauhati High Court while giving his presidential address stated that many welfare legislation for upliftment of the under privileged sections of the society go unimplemented. He emphasized that all the agencies should work together and provide the Juveniles a caring and protective environment. He also said there is need to change the living conditions of street children as most of them are destitute or homeless and are prone to child trafficking or involved in criminal activities. Therefore, society owes duty to look after the street children. He called upon all the stakeholders to work in the true spirit and letter of the Juvenile Justice Act.

Mr. P.I. Jose, National Secretary, LAF gave vote of thanks to Hon'ble Chief Justice Chalemeshwar, Justice I.A. Ansari, Mr. R.N. Mathur, DGP, Assam for their inspiring speech. He also thanked JJB Members, Police Offices, Probation Officer and staff members of Juvenile Homes and advocates. He stated that LAF in corporation with State Government and various stake holders will ensure that standard of justice delivery to juveniles will be more effective thereby reducing the pendency of the cases which had piled up in last few years.