Expenditure proposal for FSL HC asks CS to consult MHA
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 27 2018:
A Division bench of the High Court of Manipur has issued directive to the Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary (Home) to get in touch with the Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs or any other duly authorized officer and resolve the issue related to the expenditure proposal submitted by the State of Manipur for establishing a proper forensic science laboratory and submit the outcome of the meeting before the Court on December 4 for further hearing.
The High Court issued the directive on the basis of a PIL filed by one RK Joysana of Moirangkhom Sougaijam Leirak through his counsel M Hemchandra.
The direction was passed by the Division bench comprising of Chief Justice Ramalingam Sudhakar and Justice Lanusungkum Janmir recently.
According to the order passed by the Division Bench, the need for effective establishment of Forensic Science Laboratory has been impressed upon the State and the Central Governments from time to time keeping in mind the need for a proper FSL to assist in criminal trials but the FSL in Manipur is in a deplorable state and badly needs Central assistance for functioning effectively.
The State Government submitted a DPR for improving the infrastructure of FSL at an estimated cost of Rs 95.39 crore and an intimation towards this end was sent via a letter dated July 7 and addressed to the Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India S Samarjit CGC representing the Union of India submitted that in response the Ministry of Home Affairs, on August 14 said that it is of the view that proposal is on the higher side.
N Kumarjit Advocate General appearing on behalf of the State stated that the expenditure for upgradation of the FSL is based on proper assessment.
The High Court ruled that the only option would be for the Additional Chief Secretary/ Principal Secretary (Home) to have a one on one meeting with Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and sort out the issue as to what would be the correct amount that can be released for the purpose of upgrading and maintaining the FSL.
Hence Division bench issue a direction to the Chief Secretary/ Principal Secretary (Home) government of Manipur to have a personnel interaction with the secretary, Ministry of Home Affair, government of India or any other duly authorized officer and resolved the issue relating to the expenditure proposal submitted by the State of Manipur for establishing a proper forensic science Laboratory The Court order further mentioned that interaction shall be concluded between the officers on or before November 30 and the outcome of the meeting is to be submitted by the State Government as well as Union of India by December 4 and listed the matter on the same day for hearing.
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