Bar bodies condemn excesses in court premises
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 21 2024: In response to the distressing events that unfolded within the Cheirap Court Complex on Tuesday, a joint emergency meeting of the executive committees of All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA) and High Court Bar Association, Manipur (HCBAM) held on Wednesday strongly condemned the excessive use of force by security personnel inside the court premises.

According to a joint statement, the meeting held at AMBA office on Wednesday morning was attended by members of both associations to address and respond to the incident that occurred within the court premises the previous afternoon.

The meeting unequivocally expressed strong protest against the disproportionate use of force and decided that lawyers across the state would abstain from attending court proceedings, including at High Court, except for matters deemed urgent.

The two bodies appealed to all sections of society, including security forces, to uphold the sanctity of the court and refrain from engaging in any form of violence within its premises.

Recognising the need for enhanced security measures, the meeting called for urgent reinforcement of court security arrangements to prevent similar incidents in the future.

It was unanimously agreed upon that a thorough investigation must be initiated within a week, led by a retired justice of the High Court of Manipur, to ascertain accountability for the events.

Failure to commence the inquiry promptly would trigger consideration of further actions, the joint statement said.

The meeting vehemently condemned the excessive use of force, particularly against women, with deployment of electric batons, other lethal weapons, and explosive devices.

Consequent to the resolution of the meeting, a sit-in protest was staged in front of the Cheirap Court Complex.

All legal practitioners participated in the protest to demonstrate their support and demand for justice.

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