IMPHAL, January 28: The final hearing of the case regarding land encroachment inside Regional Institute of Medical Sciences campus for construction of churches, which was due today was further deferred by a division bench of the High Court of Manipur comprising of Chief Justice LK Mohapatra and Justice Khwairakpam Nobin Singh.
However, the bench did not fix the exact date of the next hearing.
The deferment decision followed a plea submitted by advocate general, Th Ibohal, counsel of the respondents the counsel representing the respondents.
The respondent`™s counsel informed the court that taking serious note of the matter, the government of Manipur has constituted a committee which has been meticulously discussing the matter.
Subsequently, he pleaded the court to give more time to submit a final affidavit regarding to the case after the committee submits its report.
Even as the bench was apparently left displeased with the latest development, it nevertheless granted the plea.
It may be recalled that Dr Khomdon Singh Lisam, a resident of Southern Palace Compound, Palace Road Imphal filed a PIL before the court (no. 19 of 2013) in connection with the case referring to Supreme Court`™s ruling against erection of religious structure inside educational institute owned by the government. He was represented by advocate Th Manihar.
The respondents of the case are state of Manipur represented by Chief Secretary Government of Manipur, Union of India represented Union Health Secretary Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the regional institute of medical sciences (RIMS) represented by Director of RIMS, deputy director RIMS. commissioner (Revenue) Government of Manipur, Deputy Commissioner Imphal West, deputy settlement officer (Admn), survey and settlement officer, Directorate of settlement and land revenue, popular pisciculture association of Manipur, Lamphel Rongmei Baptist Church and Lamphel Baptist Church.