Judiciary should ensure prompt delivery of justice: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Thoubal, December 20 2023: Mentioning that judiciary is one of the vital pillars of democracy, chief minister N Biren Singh appealed to officials of the judiciary to ensure that justice is delivered on time to the public.

Speaking at the inauguration function of a G+3 Annexe Building for the Court of District & Sessions Judge at Thoubal Court Complex on Wednesday, CM Biren exuded confidence that fair justice will be delivered out of the newly inaugurated building.

Addressing the function as the chief guest, the CM highlighted the need for a Law University in the state and assured to take all necessary steps in this regard.

Enquiring possibility of setting up a Law University to High Court of Manipur Chief Justice Siddharth Mridul, who was also present on the occasion, Biren stated that since it will take time to put up the matter in the state assembly session, the government will soon issue an ordinance for establishing a Law University.

N Biren also applauded and welcomed Justice Siddharth Mridul on his appointment as the Chief Justice of High Court of Manipur.

He continued that despite financial constraints, the state government has been putting all efforts to fill any requirement of the law sector.

He further applauded newly appointed High Court of Manipur Judge Justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui and said her appointment is a pride for the entire state.

Biren also emphasised the importance of a robust judicial system and pledged to take steps to strengthen it in the state.

"We believe that a strong and independent judiciary is essential for a just and equitable society.

We are taking steps to improve the infrastructure of our courts, recruit more judges, and provide better training for our judicial officers".

Pointing out that Manipur has around 1.5 lakh drug users, N Biren emphasised that with a more serious support from all including the judiciary to the government's War on Drugs campaign, the drug menace can be totally eradicated from Manipur.

He stated that the War on Drugs campaign in Manipur which is located next to Myanmar, which is part of Golden Triangle, is stopping the drug menace from entering mainland cities and in the process protecting millions of youths of the country.

"Manipur is passing through a crucial time, but with the support of the masses we have almost overcome it.

We cannot stop our daily routines be it in the development sector or other," he said.

The CM further stressed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given special priority to Manipur and is eager to see the state stride towards development.

In his address, Chief Justice Siddharth said that one of the most important aspects of maintaining the rule of law is the provision of access to justice.

"Access to justice for all the residents of the state of Manipur will only become a reality if we have adequate infrastructure in terms of courts, staff quarters, among others," he stressed.

The Chief Justice said: "We are now targeting a paperless court system, where litigants will be able to access us through videoconferencing and through the internet connectivity from even the remotest corner of the state" .

"That will need the support and the working in tandem of the High Court, Judicial Service as well as the government," he said, adding that so far the response received from the government has been very prompt and very encouraging.

He also emphasised that every citizen should have access to the court system 24x7 .

The inaugural function organised by Law & Legislative Affairs Department at Thoubal Court Complex was also attended by law & legislative affairs minister Th Basanta Kumar Singh, High Court of Manipur's justices A Bimol Singh, A Guneshwar Sharma and Gaiphulshillu Kabui, lead advocate general Manipur Lenin Singh Hijam and commissioner (Law) Nungshitombi Athokpam, among others.

The newly inaugurated G+3 Annexe Building is expected to improve the working conditions of judges and court staff and provide better facilities for litigants.

The building has been constructed at a cost of Rs 8.8 crore.

In addition to the Thoubal Court Complex, the Manipur government is also constructing new court complexes in Tamenglong, Kakching, and Senapati.

The government is also planning to establish a District & Sessions Court in Jiribam and a single Court building in Mao with judicial quarters.

"A Law University would be a major boost to legal education in Manipur, " said Advocate TK Singh, president of the Manipur Bar Association.

He added, "It would provide an opportunity for Students from Manipur to pursue legal careers with -out having to go outside the state" .

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