It is imperative that the Law Department resolves its internal conflicts and concludes existent legal battles. One hopes that the incoming Chief Justice will bring much-needed reform to Manipur’s legal community, fostering efficiency and unity within the justice system. The people of Manipur look forward to a renewed focus on justice, accountability, and effective governance.
By Paojel Chaoba
As the High Court of Manipur bid farewell to Chief Justice Siddharth Mridul on November 21, the appointment of a new Chief Justice brings renewed hope for the people of Manipur. Amid a prolonged struggle to maintain law and order since May 2023, a closer examination of the Law Department and its subordinate entities is timely and essential. In the justice delivery system, both judges and public prosecutors play pivotal roles. While judges render decisions, public prosecutors—appointed by the State—represent victims of crime in criminal courts. An analysis of the Law Department would indeed reveal the current health of our justice delivery system.
However, as we welcome the new Chief Justice, the disorder within the Law Department and the Department of Prosecution is concerning. The department is embroiled in a series of legal disputes, including cases filed by Assistant Public Prosecutors in the High Court of Manipur, which allege violations in the appointment of Additional Public Prosecutors, breaches of seniority, and promotions of Special Public Prosecutors to the rank of Public Prosecutor in contravention of procedures outlined in the Code of Criminal Procedure. It’s worth noting that magistrate courts, as the first line of defense for victims’ rights from the commission of a crime, rely on Assistant Public Prosecutors to handle state-filed cases, remand requests, and various state matters.
What is particularly troubling is that the very department tasked with representing victims and upholding the state’s interests has been locked in prolonged internal legal battles. While some cases have been resolved, numerous disputes remain pending in the High Court of Manipur, some dating back to 2021. This protracted discord points to an apparent failure within the department to resolve differences with its employees and to ensure smooth functioning. Alarmingly, one unresolved matter includes a contempt of court case against the Commissioner of Law, Nungshitombi Athokpam, pending since 2021. Court orders indicate that this contempt case involves the appointment of an Additional Public Prosecutor in violation of a directive from the High Court of Manipur.
Without delving into each detail, it is imperative that the Law Department resolves its internal conflicts and concludes these legal battles. We are hopeful that the incoming Chief Justice will bring much-needed reform to Manipur’s legal community, fostering efficiency and unity within the justice system. The people of Manipur look forward to a renewed focus on justice, accountability, and effective governance within the institutions that are tasked with upholding the rule of law.