Independent Judiciary is a National Asset and Essential for a Modern Society: Governor
Imphal, March 23, 2022 (DIPR): Hon’ble Governor of Manipur Dr. Najma Heptulla inaugurated the 5th Anniversary of the establishment of High Court of Manipur, held at the auditorium of the High court of Manipur, today.
Speaking at the function as the Chief Guest, Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla said that she felt privileged to be in the company of the Learned Judges of the Manipur High Court as well as the Judges of Subordinate Courts of the state and distinguished lawyers and officers of Manipur Judicial Service who form an important cog of Indian democracy.
Appreciating all the people who played a major role in bringing a full-fledged High Court to Manipur, she said, the High Court of Manipur was established five years ago and it was the realization of a long cherished dream of the people of the State who had to suffer various bottlenecks while seeking justice from the higher courts which remained beyond the reach of the common man and had to go through a Bench of the Gauhati High Court functioning at Imphal.
She added that after the establishment of the High Court of Manipur, remarkable service has been rendered in the justice delivery system of the State and disposal of cases has become faster with easier access of the people to the higher courts. Much advancement has also been made since going on-line. The e-Courts Integrated 2 Mission Mode Project is one of the national governance projects being implemented in the High Court as well as District and Subordinate Courts.
The Governor further said that even though the High Court has completed five years of its service, introspection is also needed at this time. She said that she had always maintained that an independent judiciary is a national asset and very much essential for a modern society. It must be competent and impartial. It is well-known that the rule of law sustains democracy and it is equally true that to a bold and independent judiciary is assigned the stupendous task of maintaining rule of law. The framers of the Indian Constitution at the time of framing of our Constitution were concerned about the kind of judiciary our country should have for achieving a smooth justice delivery system. Most people say they believe in the rule of law, yet few can define it coherently. High rule of law scores are the unique biggest contributors to national prosperity, peace, liberty and freedom from corruption. Virtually nothing is more important for us to understand and uphold than the rule of law. The rule of law should be a living reality properly understood by ordinary people. It is constitutionally more important than is generally realized, she added.
She said that the world today is well-informed and the citizens are very conscious of their rights and duties under the law. Further, it is an age where accessibility to justice is of prime consideration and ‘justice at your doorstep’ is a priority area for both the Central and State Governments.
Showing her concern over the issue of pending cases waiting disposal, she said a concerted effort to improve the situation should be made. Justice should be delivered on time giving importance that deserves, as the dictum says, ‘Justice delayed is justice denied’.
Acknowledging the activities of the High Court of Manipur, she said since its inception the High Court of Manipur is making rapid strides in the disposal of cases. Fast track courts are also helping in lessening the burden and speedy delivery of justice.
The Court has been facing the shortage of judges posing problem to the public to approach the highest court of the land in search of suitable Bench or resulted in denial of legal remedy. She said that she had been pursuing the issue of shortage of judges with the central Government and to appoint at least three judges out of a sanctioned strength of five judges presently carried out by only two judges.
Extending her support in the endeavor for a quality judicial system in the state, she said that she is confident that the High Court of Manipur will continue to dispense with justice of the highest order and will achieve even greater heights as a Temple of Justice.
Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, Acting Chief Justice of Manipur, said that role of High Court of Manipur is equally significant despite being a relatively new and small High Court compared to other states in discharging judicial function as mandated by the Constitution. The law and order situation in the State has also affected the functioning of the judiciary but in the recent years tremendous improvement has been made including the performance of the Judiciary. The State Government needs to provide adequate infrastructure for optimal functioning of the High Court even though the government has been extending their cooperation despite limited resources. Various methods have been adopted in the state by organizing Lok Adalats, Legal Aid Clinics etc. to solve people’s problems and the High Court has been taking an active role, he further added.
Justice Kh. Nobin Singh, Judge, High Court of Manipur; Shri N. Kumarjit Singh, Advocate general, Government of Manipur; Shri O. Madhuchandra Singh, Chairman, Bar Council of Manipur; Shri H.S. Paonam, President, High Court Bar Association of Manipur and Shri H. Chandrajit Sharma, President, All Manipur Bar Association grace the function as President and Guest of Honour respectively. Learned Judges and staffs also attended the 5th Anniversary Celebration of High Court of Manipur. (DIPR)