IMPHAL, December 19: The division bench of Justice N Kotishwar and Justice Kh Nobin Singh, High Court of Manipur today served notice to the State of Manipur to submit counter affidavit in connection with the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) No.27 of 2014 filed by Aam Admi Party (AAP), within four weeks.
The AAP in the petition pleaded the court to give direction to the respondents to provide a space for freedom of speech and expression within Imphal city.
It may recalled that on May 7 last the AAP submitted a written petition to the Governor of Manipur requesting provision of space in the heart of Imphal to enable the public to express their freedom.
The petition cited that the state often witness frequent protest/ demonstration on the streets of Imphal disturbing the tranquillity of the surrounding of Chief Minister`s or Governor`s bungalow and the means used by police to subdue such protest have often lead to unwanted incidents.
To avoid such problems, it drew the attention of the government to provide a space to ventilate the grievances of the common people to the government who they regard as their guardian, the AAP petition said.
Underscoring the historical significance and also being a strategic point in the State capital, it suggested a space near the southern portion of Sahid Minar, Imphal Pologround or somewhere else in Greater Imphal area to enable the public to voice their opinion in the form of sit in protest, public speech etc.
Further the petitioner observed that if anyone violates any conditions beyond the “Lakshman Rekha,” such fundamental right may be curtailed.
In response to the petition, the secretary to the Governor of Manipur on May 16 instructed the chief secretary to take appropriate action listing the matter as “desired by the Governor`.
However, with the matter not materialised despite the official from the Governor`™s office the AAP filed the PIL petition before the Court.
The respondents of the PIL included the State of Manipur represented by the Chief Secretary Government of Manipur, secretary to the Governor of Manipur, Commissioner (Revenue) Government of Manipur and Deputy Commissioner Government of Manipur.
Advocate General Th Ibohal Singh appeared on behalf of the respondents while Th Manihar Singh, appeared on behalf of the petitioner in today`™s hearing of the case.