Mao JMFC court building inaugurated
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, November 06 2024: High Court of Manipur chief justice Siddharth Mridul, on Wednesday inaugurated the court of Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) in Mao in the presence of Mao MLA Losii Dikho, and virtual participation of Law & Legislative Affairs minister Th Basanta Kumar Singh, and justices A Bimol Singh, A Gyaneshwar Sharma, and Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui of the High Court.

Delivering the welcome address, law commissioner Nungshitombi Athokpam expressed pride in the achievements of the Law Department under minister Basanta's leadership, and highlighted department's commitment to upholding justice across the state.

In his address, MLA Losii Dikho expressed gratitude to the Law & Legislative Affairs Department for bringing judicial facilities to Mao region, emphasising the significance of establishing such resources in a border area.

He attributed establishment of the JMFC Court to the cooperative efforts of the Chief Justice and his team.

Minister Basanta, who joined the event virtually due to other commitments, reiterated the importance of accessible legal facilities in Mao, located near the Nagaland border.

He acknowledged the contribution of Ashiho Athia, who donated the land for the court on May 16, 2022, and opined that the court's presence would enable timely justice for the region's residents.

Speaking at the event, Chief Justice Mridul reflected on the significance of the new court building, recognising it as the culmination of longstanding efforts to bring a fully equipped judicial facility to Mao.

"Today, we stand before a magnificent court building - a symbol of resilience, commitment, and unwavering faith in the rule of law," Mridul stated, noting that the structure represents the aspirations of the local community for fair and accessible justice.

Construction of the JMFC Court Building began on October 12, 2023 at a project cost of Rs 4.53 crore, with funding contributions of Rs 4.07 crore from the central government and Rs 45.32 lakh by the state.

The facility is equipped with advanced infrastructure, including video conferencing capabilities to support hybrid hearings, underground water storage, internal roadways, and proper security measures.

Additionally, the facility includes two residential quarters for judicialstaff, with plans to incorporate disabled-friendly features in the future.

Justice Mridul also expressed gratitude to all contributors to the project, particularly Athia, who donated the land.

In recognition, hereon was appointed as the Court's chowkidar, with Chief Justice Mridul personally handing over the appointment letter to her.

He also acknowledged the efforts of the Law & Legislative Affairs Department, the Engineering Cell, and contractor M/S G Thaninjao R Naga & Sons, Emphasising the true purpose of the Court building, Chief Justice Mridul remarked, "The success of this Court will not be measured by the strength of its walls, but by the impact it has on the lives of those who seek justice here.

Let this building be a beacon of hope, fairness, and truth for generations to come" .

He called upon the local legal community, including the Bar and Bench, to uphold the dignity and integrity of the institution and to ensure impartial and efficient justice delivery.

The JMFC Court Building is expected to significantly enhance judicial access for Mao's residents, who previously faced challenges in reselling legal resources.

Its inauguration marks a significant advancement in the region's judicial infrastructure, reflecting the state's dedication to strengthening access to justice and affirming the rule of law.

Chief Justice Mridul concluded that the fully operational judicial facility will serve the community of Mao and nearby areas, symbolising a milestone in the state's commitment to justice and legal empowerment.

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