Foundation stone for Manipur Judicial Academy laid
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, February 21 2018: Chief Minister N Biren Singh and High Court of Manipur Chief Justice, Justice Abhilasha Kumari laid the foundation stone for Manipur Judicial Academy at Pangei in Imphal East district today.

Among others, Law and Legislative Affairs Minister L Jayantakumar Singh, High Court of Manipur Judges Justice N Kotiswar Singh and Justice Kh Nobin Singh and Advocate General N Kumarjit were present on the dais as dignitaries.

Speaking at the occasion, Biren said that the problems being encountered by all concerned would be done away with once the construction of the Academy at Pangei is completed.

Stating that the State Government could allot only 19.25 acres of land as of now against the High Court's proposal of 50 acres for the Academy, the Chief Minister informed that allotment of the remaining land measuring 28.25 acres is under active process.

Maintaining that the Government is aware of the immediate requirements of the Academy, he assured that the Government would take all possible efforts to make available the remaining land at the earliest.

In this regard, he also directed Imphal East DC to look for possibilities of acquiring more land at the area, and submit a report to the Government.

The present Manipur Judicial Academy at Manipur High Court complex was opened by Supreme Court Judge Justice Madan B Lokur, he said, adding that it had enabled the Judicial Officers to get the required training without going to institutions located outside the State any longer.

The Academy has been imparting training not only to the Judicial Officers but also to Government Advocates, Public Prosecutors and Private Advocates, he added.

The Chief Minister further said that the State PWD had prepared a DPR inclusive of academy building and administrative block, male and female hostels for trainees, quarters for Director/Deputy Director and quarters for faculty members etc costing Rs.93.52 crore.

Biren further confided that the State Government had accorded administrative approval for the Phase-I inclusive of the academy building and administrative block amounting to Rs.26.84 crore on February 2, 2016.In order to start construction of the Academy, the State Government had already deposited an amount of Rs.5.16 crore to the State PWD in March 2016, he added.

The Chief Minister also said that the Central Government is being requested for meeting the required fund in addition to the 14th Finance Commission award.

He also expressed hope that once the academy is provided with the required land and infrastructure, it would enhance the knowledge of the people engaged in the field of law in the State more effectively.

Speaking at the function, Justice Abhilasha Kumari said that laying the foundation stone for Manipur Judicial Academy is a historic moment, and it was possible because of the co-operation, positive attitude and dynamic approach of CM Biren.

Extending her thanks to the Chief Minister, Justice Abhilasha Kumari expressed hope that in future also, same kind of synergy would exist where legislature and judiciary would co-operate each other in the areas where the people of Manipur would be benefitted.

Before the existence of Manipur Judicial Academy, Judicial Officers used to get training from North Eastern Judicial Training Institute, Guwahati.

Stating that the proposal for creating permanent posts of Lecturers and staff for Manipur Judicial Academy had been submitted to the State Government, the Chief Justice expressed hope that the Government would respond positively to this proposal.

Justice Abhilasha Kumari also said that during a meeting on February 15, 2018, the Chief Minister had assured her to sanction these permanent posts at the earliest.

In his speech, Jayantakumar said that laying of foundation stone is the first step towards realising the dream of instituting a full-fledged judicial academy in the State.

Chief Secretary RR Rashmi, Law Secretary Th Kaminikumar, Registrar General of High Court of Manipur, A Guneshwar Sharma, Judicial Officers and learned advocates were also present at the occasion.

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