"Fill vacancies at HC"
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 19 2023:
Ex-Minister O Joy has sent a reminder to the Union Minister of Law and Justice and to the Chief Justice of India to fill the vacant posts of Chief Justice and Judges of the High Court of Manipur.
Speaking to reporters at Manipur Press Club, veteran politician O Joy said the reminder was sent on August 17 .
The representation to fill the vacant posts was first sent on March 28 this year, he said.
While a State needs a sound justice delivery system, the High Court of Manipur presently lacks the required strength which has hindered its proper functioning, he said.
O Joy said the High Court of Manipur presently has an Acting Chief Justice and two Judges only.
The Court has 36 pending election petitions and 5,519 pending cases.
Section 86(7) of the Representation of the People Act states that the High Court should conclude the trial of election petition within six months.
However, the election cases in Manipur have not been concluded even after nearly two years, said O Joy.
He said the High Court of Manipur should have one Chief Justice and five Judges.
The citizens of Manipur must be given proper access to justice.
This fundamental right of the people must be ensured.
The vacant post of the Chief Justice and the Judges must be filled at the earliest, he said.
While talking about the Court, he mentioned that the much sought State Assembly Session may be convened by September 2 .
The last session was held on March 3 and as such the normal session must be convened within six months.
A special session may be called before September 2, he said.