Governor highlights role of judiciary in democracy
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 23 2024:
Governor Anusuiya Uikey has highlighted the role of judiciary in strengthening democracy and justice delivery system to ensure the innocent gets their right.
She was attending the 11th anniversary celebration of the High Court of Manipur held at City Convention Centre, here, on Saturday.
The Governor also launched Virtual Court for Traffic Offences under e-court project, e-filling for District Courts, e-HCR, e-SEWA/Translation Work Management software, Learning Management Software and released a souvenir of the celebration and newsletter of Manipur State Legal Services Authority.
Reflecting on the pivotal role of lawyers, Anusuiya Uikey emphasised their crucial function as advocates for the victims in court, ensuring that justice is served.
She stressed the need for lawyers to protect rights of their clients and to diligently work towards providing timely justice to those in need.
She underscored that the primary objective of the legal system is to prevent the wrongful penalisation of innocent individuals, even if it entails the release of several guilty parties in the process.
This commitment to fairness, she emphasised, is what fosters the public's trust in the judiciary.
The Governor urged young judges and lawyers to remain steadfast in their dedication, to continually update their legal knowledge, and to uphold the integrity of their esteemed profession.
The Governor highlighted the significance of judges, drawing upon teachings from the "Shrimad Bhagavad Gita" .
According to this revered text, a judge embodies qualities of excellence, sincerity, and humility.
It is emphasised that a judge does not rely solely on personal judgment but instead renders decisions based on evidence, facts, and documents presented before them, thereby aligning with the divine will, she elaborated while noting the universal nature of these principles, transcending religious boundaries encompassing Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity or any other religion.
She stressed that judges should refrain from arrogant claims of authorship over judgments or decrees, thereby upholding humility and impartiality in the administration of justice.
Anusuiya also underscored the role of rule of law in sustaining democracy, stating that it serves as its lifeblood and further emphasised that the independent judiciary bears the weighty responsibility of upholding the rule of law and the Constitution.
The judiciary s distinctive contribution lies in overseeing governmental operations in alignment with constitutional provisions and legal frameworks.
This oversight extends to monitoring the activities of the executive and legislature, ensuring the nation's prosperity, peace, and freedom, while safeguarding against corruption, she said.
The Governor maintained that the establishment of the High Court of Manipur has significantly enhanced access to justice for the people of Manipur, making it more convenient and affordable.
She noted that such occasions provide a platform for all stakeholders to convene, fostering dialogue, reflection on past endeavours, and strategising for future endeavours.
Commending the dedication of the Chief Justice and Judges of the High Court of Manipur, Anusuiya Uikey remarked on the commendable pace of case disposal since its establishment.
She acknowledged the rising caseload in courts, underscoring the importance of expeditiously resolving these cases.
Expressing optimism, she hoped that the anniversary celebration would serve as a catalyst for enhanced efficiency and efficacy in serving justice to victims and expressed her wish for the High Court to preserve its esteemed traditions and aspire to greater heights as a beacon of justice.
Chief Justice Siddharth Mridul of the High Court of Manipur shed light on several initiatives aimed at ensuring the swift and punctual administration of justice to the populace.
Justices A Bimol Singh, Aribam Guneshwar Sharma, and Gohnei Gaiphulshillu Kabui, as well as advocate general Lenin Hijam, High Court Bar Association president Y Nimolchand, All Manipur Bar Association president P Tom-cha, and Bar Council of Manipur chairman S Brajabihari along with judges from subordinate courts, advocates, and students also attended the event.