IMPHAL March 5: Demanding a separate High Court for Manipur to be established in tandem with the High Court of Tripura, the judicial system of the state came to a complete halt for the second day as advocates remained absent from courts in protest.
A press meet was held in the regard at the Guwahati High Court complex today by the representatives of the High Court Bar Association, Manipur. Secretary of the association, N Jotendro told mediapersons that the issue of raising a separate high court in purview of the pending cases was highlighted to the Union Ministry of Law and Justice time and again and assurance was given from the centre that the matter will be taken up without fail with the union minister Veerapa Moily himself promising that a spate high court will be established for both Manipur and Tripura on the same date. It was further learnt that the green signal for Tripura HC was given while that of Manipur was ignored which has frustrated the public and the advocates of the state. The advocates had also highlighted that the state has the highest number of pending cases in the North East next only to Assam and the need for setting up a HC was of the greatest importance to carry out speedy justice.
He further stated that a memorandum was submitted to the Prime Minister by the advocates’ association yesterday which mentions that an emergency general body meeting was held on March 3 and resolutions adopted.
The memorandum also mentioned that a separate HC for Manipur be established first or along with the establishment of HC of Tripura and by way of pressing as a demand, the HC Bar Association members protested by remaining absent from attending the Guwahati High Court with immediate effect till the demand for establishment of a separate High Court is fulfilled.In pursuance of the resolutions, the memorandum was submitted to the PM requesting him to take necessary action in this regard.
Advocate N Jotendro stated that a meeting in the regard was also held yesterday and the Chief Minister was apprised of the situation and demand of the advocates. He further stated that the CM voiced assurance that he will take up the required measures to intimate the center and to help push for the demand. The matter will be taken up at another meeting of the lawyers scheduled for March 7.
The association also tendered an apology for the protest which might have caused delay of justice to the public, meanwhile stating that there was no other alternative except resorting to the present agitation.
