CJ calls for mass awareness on legal institutions
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 27 2025: Manipur High Court Chief Justice K Somashekar has stressed the need for educating the masses on the importance of legal service institutions including the courts and the benefits of Lok Adalat and mediation.

He was speaking as the chief guest at a legal awareness camp organised by Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) on "Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013", at Ukhrul Jubilee Hall on Monday.

The camp was attended by Manipur High Court Judge and MASLSA executive chairman Justice A Bimol Singh, High Court Legal Ser vices Committee (HCLSC) chairman Justice A Guneshwar Sharma, and Tangkhul Naga Long president Sword Vashum as guests of honour.

Chief Justice K Somashekar continued that Article 39 guarantees equal justice to all regardless of economic or social status.

As such, it is important to inform and educate the masses on the importance and function of legal service institutions, and also how Lok Adalat and mediations are benefitting the people.

In his speech, Justice A Bimol reflected on the Land Acquisition Act, stating that public awareness, timely government notifications and wide spread publicity are imperative.

The public also need to file their objections and claims well before the deadline, he conveyed.

Justice Guneshwar Sharma explained about the fundamental rights of affected landowners in seeking compensation and also the role played by legal services authority in providing free legal aid to the vulnerable sections of the society.

Customary laws and formal legal system can work hand in hand, and the agreements reached via customary laws can be brought up in the formal court through Lok Adalat to affirm its legal status, he added.

The camp was also attended by Manipur High Court registrar general Ojesh Mutum, MASLSA member secretary Alek Muivah, District and Sessions Judge, Ukhrul Reena Serto, High Court of Manipur registrar (vigilance) Athokpam Shanta Devi, HCLSC secretary K Nirojit, Ukhrul DLSA secretary Kimneineng Kipgen, additional member secretary Phunrei Sihung PA, Ukhrul District Bar Association president Michael Zimik and TNAL president Kashung Tennyson, SP Ukhrul Kartik Maladi, Ukhrul SDO Dinringam Kamei, other officials, and around 200 villagers including village chiefs from Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.

During the technical session, MASLSA member secretary Alek Muivah spoke on the topic "Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013", as the resource person.

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