Chief Justice of India inaugurates Manipur High Court

IMPHAL, Mar 25: Finally the long cherished dream of the people of Manipur, particularly the legal fraternity, has been fulfilled with Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir inau-gurating the Manipur High Court today.

Former Chief Justice of Chhattishgarh AM Sapre has already been sworn in as the first Chief Justice of Manipur High Court on March 23.

The inaugural function held at the newly constructed High Court complex at Chingmeirong was attended by Union Law Minister Dr Ashwini Kumar, Chief Minister O Ibobi, Gauhati High Court Chief Justice AK Goyal and two Supreme Court Judges.

Speaking at the inaugural function, Justice Altamas Kabir stated that the new High Court would particularly deal with problems of the State.

He remarked that Chief Justice AM Sapre is a very sensitive and highly experienced Judge. His association with Justice Kotishwar is very suitable.

In his speech, Union Law Minister Dr Ashwini Kumar stated that the fundamental purpose of opening a Court is to deliver justice. There should be no room for fear among the public and they should be convinced to put faith in the legal system.

Chief Minister O Ibobi sought attention of the Chief Justice of India as well as the Union Law Minister to fill up the two vacant posts of Judges in the Manipur High Court so that it can start functioning at full pace.

Later talking to media persons, Dr Ashwini Kumar stated that issues pertaining to Armed Forces Special Powers Act may be resolved soon. Nonetheless, he asserted that there is a need to ponder on the issue of AFSPA.

Admitting that AFSPA imposed in conflict zones has been discussed at different levels, Ashwini Kumar said that he was proud in witnessing the inauguration of the Manipur High Court given the fact that the people of Manipur have been demanding such a court since a long time back.

He gave credit to Chief Minister O Ibobi for successfully setting up a separate High Court for Manipur.