A delegation comprising representatives from various hill district Bar Associations met with the Hon’ble Governor of Manipur, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, at Raj Bhavan to express growing concerns regarding the lack of judicial infrastructure in the hill districts of the state.
The delegation informed the Governor about the significant challenges faced by legal practitioners and litigants in conducting judicial proceedings due to inadequate facilities, including the absence of proper court buildings, limited judicial staff, and poor accessibility to justice services.
The meeting was also attended by the Commissioner (Law), underscoring the gravity and official attention on the matter.
Key Concerns Raised by the Delegation
| Issue | Details Shared |
|---|---|
| Lack of Infrastructure | Several court complexes in hill districts are non-functional or severely under-equipped. |
| Inaccessibility | People from remote areas struggle to access justice due to long travel requirements. |
| Shortage of Legal Staff | Insufficient deployment of judges, clerical staff, and support personnel. |
| Inadequate Legal Aid Support | Poor availability of free legal aid and awareness campaigns in tribal regions. |
The delegation requested the Governor’s immediate intervention to improve judicial infrastructure, deploy adequate legal personnel, and ensure equitable access to justice across all regions of the state.
Governor’s Assurance
Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla gave a patient hearing to the representatives and assured that the concerns raised would be taken seriously. He promised to initiate consultations with the relevant departments to explore feasible and prompt solutions. The Governor emphasized the importance of equal access to justice and affirmed his commitment to strengthening the judicial system in the hill districts.
Quote from the Meeting:
“Access to justice is a fundamental right. Every citizen, regardless of location, must be able to access legal remedies without undue hardship,” — Hon’ble Governor Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla
The Bar Associations expressed optimism following the meeting and urged the state government to take swift follow-up actions, citing the pressing need for judicial equity across Manipur.