Independent judiciary backbone of democracy: Manipur Guv

Imphal, Mar 23 (Agency) Manipur Governor, Anusuiya Uikey said since an independent and impartial judiciary is the backbone of democracy it should be competent and impartial. Addressing the 11th Anniversary of the High Court of Manipur held here on Saturday, the Governor said, that the rule of law keeps democracy alive, and the independent judiciary has been entrusted with the important task of maintaining the rule of law as enshrined in the Constitution. The Judiciary has a unique contribution to running the government according to the Constitution. It protects the law and monitors the work of the executive and legislature. Law serves as a weapon to fight corruption.

Governor said, according to “Shrimad Bhagavad Gita”, a judge is a person endowed with “excellence”. He is endowed with complete sincerity and humility. He does not take any decision from his mind but he takes a just decision based on the evidence, facts, and documents presented by the opposition and thus surrenders himself to the will of God. As per religious concepts, be it Hinduism, Islam, or Christianity, a judge is always calm and never claims laurels for their decisions. Anusuiya Uikey said, lawyers present the victim’s side before the court and provide them justice. Therefore, they must protect the rights of their clients and strive to provide timely justice to the victims. She urged the young judges and lawyers to believe in hard work, stay updated with the knowledge of the law, and maintain the dignity of the profession. She said with the establishment of the State High Court, access to justice has become easier and cheaper for the people of Manipur.

This occasion provides an opportunity for all associated with the Institute to come together, exchange ideas, reflect on the activities of the past discuss the prospects and challenges for the future, and decide the policy to deal with them. Lauding the efforts made by the Chief Justice and Judges of the High Court of Manipur, the Governor said, that since its inception, the disposal of cases is happening rapidly. It has also been observed that the number of cases in the courts is increasing which needs to be disposed of expeditiously. She expressed hope that the celebration would inspire all to work better and faster in the future and help the victims and wished that the High Court would keep its traditions alive and achieve more as a temple of justice.

On this occasion, the Governor launched the Virtual Court for Traffic Offences under the e-court project and also released a souvenir of the celebration and newsletter of Manipur State Legal Services Authority. Governor said the democratic governance system is the best in the world which has three pillars of which the third important pillar is the judiciary. Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur Justice Siddharth Mridul highlighted various initiatives taken up to ensure quick and timely delivery of justice to the people. Judges of the High Court, Justice A. Bimol Singh, Justice Aribam Guneshwar Sharma, Justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui, Advocate General, Manipur, Lenin Hijam, representatives of High Court Bar Association, All Manipur Bar Association and Bar Council of Manipur, Judges of Subordinate Courts, Advocates and students attended the celebration.