Justice A Bimol chairs interactive meet with legal aid functionaries
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 04 2025: Justice A Bimol Singh chaired an interactive meeting with the legal aid functionaries of the State at the auditorium of the High Court of Manipur in Imphal today.

The meeting organised by the office of the Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) was attended by Justice A Guneshwar Sharma, Judge, High Court of Manipur; along with Chairperson/Secretaries of District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs), High Court Legal Services Committee, Panel Lawyers, Remand Lawyers, Retainer Lawyers, and Legal Aid Defence Counsels (LADCs).

As per a release issued by MASLSA, the programme began with a welcome address by Alek Muivah, Member Secretary of MASLSA.

Addressing the gathering, Justice A Bimol underscored the need for greater effectiveness in providing legal aid to the needy and deserving sections of the society.

He stated that Legal Aid Lawyers must discharge their responsibilities with sincerity, dedication, and a strong sense of professional ethics so that no person is denied access to justice due to financial or social disadvantages.

He also emphasized that all Panel Lawyers are required to submit their performance reports regularly and update the status of their assigned cases every month to ensure proper monitoring and accountability.

He reminded the gathering that legal aid is a free service meant for the benefit of the underprivileged, and as such, no lawyer should demand or accept money or any form of benefit from litigants or beneficiaries.

The principle of impartiality in service delivery was also highlighted, with a clear instruction that every beneficiary must be treated fairly and without discrimination.

Justice A Bimol further cautioned that concrete and strict action would be taken against any lawyer found guilty of demanding or accepting any undue benefit from beneficiaries, as such practices run contrary to the very spirit of legal aid.

In his address, Justice A Guneshwar Sharma highlighted the crucial role of Retainer Lawyers in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Front Office.

He emphasized that Retainer Lawyers must remain present at the Front Office during the designated hours and adhere strictly to the prescribed timings so that litigants and legal aid seekers can readily access assistance whenever they approach.

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