MASLSA holds sensitization programme on Juvenile Justice
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 15 2026: The Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) organized a State level interaction cum sensitization programme on Juvenile Justice today at the auditorium of High Court of Manipur.

The programme was graced by Justice M Sundar, Chief Justice, High Court of Manipur as chief guest; Justice A Bimol Singh, Executive Chairman, MASLSA and Justice A Guneshwar Sharma, Judge, High Court of Manipur cum Chairman, HCLSC as guests of honour.

Ojesh Mutum, Registrar General, High Court of Manipur; Alek Muivah, Member Secretary, MASLSA; Ms Monalisa Maibam, Registrar (Vigilance), High Court of Manipur; K Nirojit, Secretary, High Court Legal Services Committee; and Ms S Mangaleibi Devi, Additional Member Secretary, MASLSA were also present at the programme.

The programme witnessed participation from the Director, Social Welfare, Secretaries of District Legal Services Authorities; Principal Magistrates and Members of the Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs); Chairpersons and Members of the Child Welfare Committees (CWCs); Superintendents of Police; representatives from the Department of Clinical Psychology, RIMS; Legal Aid Defence Counsel; Para Legal Volunteers; members of legal services units for children; and legal aid counsels attached to JJBs and CWCs .

The programme commenced with a welcome address delivered by Alek Muivah, Member Secretary, MASLSA, while the vote of thanks was proposed by K Nirojit, Secretary, High Court Legal Services Committee.

In his address, Justice M Sundar emphasized that Juvenile Justice is not merely a legal issue but an important social responsibility.

He remarked that children are often described as "uncut diamonds" whose potential may be dimmed by adverse surroundings, and how society treats children in conflict with law reflects its commitment as a civilized society.

Referring to constitutional principles, he noted that while Article 14 of the Constitution of India guarantees equality before the law, children require special consideration.

In this regard, Article 15(3) of the Constitution of India empowers the State to make special provisions for children, recognizing that their reform and rehabilitation require guidance and support rather than mere punishment.

He further highlighted that the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 aims to balance compassion with accountability and focuses primarily on rehabilitation through counselling, education, and vocational training.

He also explained the roles of statutory bodies such as the Juvenile Justice Board and Child Welfare Committee, which function at the district level to address the needs of children in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection.

The Chief Justice stressed the importance of effective implementation of the Act through adequate infrastructure, trained professionals, and coordination among stakeholders, including the Police Department, Social Welfare Department, and experts from the Department of Clinical Psychology (RIMS).

He urged participants to actively engage in the discussions and contribute their insights for strengthening the Juvenile Justice system.

He concluded by emphasizing that the true measure of a justice system lies not in the number of individuals punished but in the number of young lives successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated into society.

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