08/09/2026
Darjeeling Polytechnic organised a Legal Awareness Programme to sensitise students about their legal rights, responsibilities and the relevance of law in everyday life. The session was conducted by Ms. Tripti Yonzon, Assistant Professor, IILS, along with students from IILS.
The programme focused on several contemporary legal and social concerns, including Cyber Crime and Security, Sexual Harassment, Human Trafficking, the Right to Personal Life and Liberty, Child Protection, Child Marriage and Environmental Rights.
During the session on Cyber Crime and Security, students were made aware of online fraud, phishing, identity theft, cyberbullying, hacking, misuse of social media and the protection of personal information. The Information Technology Act, 2000 was discussed in the context of cyber offences, digital activities and legal remedies.
The discussion on Sexual Harassment referred to the landmark Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan judgment and the Vishaka Guidelines, which laid down important safeguards against sexual harassment. The session also connected these principles with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, emphasising the importance of safe and respectful institutional environments.
The issue of Human Trafficking was discussed with reference to exploitation for forced labour, sexual exploitation and other forms of abuse. Students were encouraged to recognise warning signs and understand the importance of reporting suspected trafficking and protecting vulnerable individuals.
A significant part of the programme focused on Article 21 of the Constitution, particularly the Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India case, which expanded the understanding of the right to life and personal liberty. The discussion highlighted that the right to life encompasses dignity and the conditions necessary for a meaningful life.
Students were also introduced to the POCSO Act, 2012, with emphasis on protecting children from sexual assault, sexual harassment and exploitation. The importance of reporting abuse and creating safe environments for children was strongly highlighted.
The programme also addressed the normalisation of child marriage in some village and rural communities. The discussion highlighted the legal position under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, while examining the social, educational, health and economic consequences of child marriage.
The Payal Gaming Case was referred to while discussing emerging legal and social concerns surrounding online gaming and digital platforms, including online conduct, cyber safety, financial transactions and accountability in the rapidly evolving digital environment.
The session further explored environmental protection as an aspect of the right to life under Article 21. Students were encouraged to understand the legal significance of clean air, safe drinking water and a healthy environment, and the responsibility of individuals and institutions towards environmental protection.
The programme was conducted in an interactive and discussion-oriented manner, allowing students to connect legal provisions and landmark judgments with real-life situations. The session emphasised that legal awareness is not simply about knowing laws, but about understanding rights, responsibilities, dignity, equality and the means available to seek justice.
The programme served as a valuable platform for empowering students with essential legal awareness and encouraging them to become informed, responsible and rights-conscious citizens.
