High Court
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, March 23 2018: Governor Dr Najma Heptulla inaugurated the 5th Anniversary of the establishment of High Court of Manipur at its auditorium, today.

Speaking as the chief guest at the event, Governor Dr Najma Heptulla said that she felt privileged to be in the company of the learned Judges of the Manipur High Court as well as the Judges of Subordinate Courts of the State and the distinguished lawyers and officers of Manipur Judicial Service, who form an important part of the Indian democracy.

Appreciating all those who played a major role in bringing a full-fledged High Court to Manipur, she explained that the High Court was established five years ago and it was the realization of a long cherished dream of the people of the State who had to suffer various inconveniences while seeking justice from the higher Courts which remained beyond the reach of the common man and had to go through a Bench of the Gauhati High Court functioning at Imphal.

After the establishment of the High Court of Manipur, there has been a remarkable development in justice delivery system of the State and disposal of cases has become faster due to easier access to the higher Courts by the people, she added.

Much advancements have also been made since going on-line, she said and informed that the e-Courts Integrated 2 Mission Mode Project is one of the National governance projects being implemented in the High Court as well as District and Subordinate Courts.

Pointing out that the High Court has completed five years' service, the Governor said mat she has always maintained that an independent judiciary is a National asset and is very much essential for a modern society.

It must be competent and impartial.

It is well-known that the rule of law sustains democracy and it is equally true that the stupendous task of maintaining rule of law is assigned to a bold and independent judiciary.

She said that the world today is well-informed and the citizens are very conscious of their rights and duties under the law.

Furthermore, it is an age where accessibility to justice is of prime consideration and 'justice at your doorstep' is a priority area for both the Central and State Governments, Dr Najma Heptulla added.

Expressing concern over the issue of pending cases waiting disposal, she said that a concerted effort to improve the situation should be made and justice should be delivered on time.

Acknowledging the activities of the High Court of Manipur, she said since its inception, the High Court of Manipur is making rapid strides in the disposal of cases.

Fast track courts are also helping in lessening the burden and ensuring speedy delivery of justice.

The Court has been facing shortage of Judges posing problem to the public.

She said that she has been discussing the issue of shortage of Judges with the Central Government and to appoint at least three Judges (out of a sanctioned strength of five Judges) as the Court proceedings are presently carried out by only two Judges.

Extending her support to the endeavour for a quality judicial system in the State, she expressed confidence that the High Court of Manipur will continue to dispense justice of the highest order and will achieve even greater heights.

On the other hand, Justice N Kotiswar Singh, Acting Chief Justice of Manipur, said that the role of High Court of Manipur is equally significant despite being a relatively new and small High Court compared to other States, in discharging judicial function as mandated by the Constitution.

The law and order situation in the State has also affected the functioning of the judiciary but in recent years, tremendous improvements have been made including the performance of the Judiciary.

The State Government needs to provide adequate infrastructure for optimal functioning of the High Court even though the Government has been extending their cooperation despite limited resources.

Various methods have been adopted in the State like organizing Lok Adalats, Legal Aid Clinics etc to solve people's problems and the High Court has been taking an active role in the initiatives, he added.

Justice Kh Nobin Singh, Judge, High Court of Manipur, N Kumarjit Singh, Advocate General, Manipur, O Madhuchandra Singh, Chairman, Bar Council of Manipur, HS Paonam, president, High Court Bar Association of Manipur and H Chandrajit Sharma, president, All Manipur Bar Association, graced the function as the president and guest of honour respectively.

Numerous Judges and staff also attended the 5th Anniversary Celebration of High Court of Manipur.

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