Mohapatra formally takes charge as CJ of Manipur HC
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 10 2014: Justice Lakshmi Kanta Mohapatra, who has been working as acting Chief Justice of High Court of Manipur, was formally sworn in as the Chief Justice of the high court here today.

Governor VK Duggal administered the oath of office and secrecy to Justice Mohapatra during a simple swearing in ceremony held at the Raj Bhavan at around 12:30 pm. Justice Mohapatra took oath as the acting Chief Justice of High Court of Manipur on October 21, 2013 while the Court was inaugurated on March 25, 2013 .

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Education Minister M Okendro, Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar, Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai, PHE Minister I Hemochandra, IPR Minister Meghachandra, Chairman of Hill Area Committee (HAC) Chaltonlien Amo, Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga and DGP Saheed Ahmed were also among others who attended the swearing in ceremony during which a message from the President of India Pranab Mukherjee to the newly sworn-in Chief Justice of Manipur High Court was read out.

Mohapatra formally takes charge as CJ of Manipur HC

Talking to newsmen after being sworn in as the Chief Justice of High Court of Manipur formally, Justice Mohapatra said, "I've instructed all the officers concerned to expedite disposal of all pending cases in the Manipur High Court and ensure speedy justice to the people" .

He said the court has weaknesses while considering its current manpower, but added that this problem cannot be solved overnight, so steady efforts will be made to strengthen it.

The Chief Justice informed that steps are being taken up to appoint one more judge for the court which has only two judges as of now.

With the swearing-in of Justice Mohapatra as the Chief Justice of Manipur, the High Court of Manipur has two judges in Kotishwor and Mahopatra.

Actually, Manipur High Court should have 5 full-fledged judges in the view of the recent all-India 25% judge number increment in every high court.

Prior to this, there has been an order to have four judges in Manipur High Court.

Justice Mohapatra observed that strength of judges will help in delivering speedy justice to the people and pledged that he would work for the people with utmost sincerity.

Born on June 10, 1954, Justice Mohapatra graduated in Law from MS Law College, Cuttack in 1977.He was enrolled as an advocate on January 25, 1978 .

Justice Mohapatra practised mainly on civil, criminal, Service and Labour Laws.

He was elevated as Judge of High Court of Orissa on September 16, 1999 .

He was transferred to Allahabad High Court and took oath on October 17, 2012 and served as acting Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court from September 19 till October 20, 2013 until he took oath as acting Chief Justice of High Court of Manipur on October 21, 2013 .