Rule of law, timely justice are pillars of democracy: Manipur Guv
Imphal, July 18
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Saturday said that the criminal justice system is the cornerstone of a democratic society governed by the rule of law, as it protects citizens' rights, safeguards public order, ensures accountability, and strengthens public confidence in constitutional institutions.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said that the strength of any democratic society lies in the confidence of its people that justice will be delivered fairly, promptly and impartially, adding that an efficient and transparent justice delivery system is essential for upholding the rule of law and reinforcing public trust in democratic institutions.
The Governor, Chief Minister, Manipur High Court Chief Justice M. Sundar; Judges of the High Court, Justice A. Bimol Singh and Justice A. Guneshwar Sharma; Advocate General H. Lenin Singh; along with senior officers of the civil administration, police, judiciary and members of the bar attended the inaugural function of the two‑day Seminar on Criminal Justice Administration.
Speaking at the inaugural function, the Governor stated that the administration of criminal justice safeguards citizens' rights, maintains public order and reinforces confidence in constitutional institutions.
Referring to the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), he said the new legal framework marked a historic shift from colonial‑era laws to a modern, citizen‑centric justice system.
Bhalla stressed that the success of these reforms depends on the coordinated functioning of the police, prosecution, judiciary and prison administration, and noted that strengthening these institutions is vital for fostering public confidence, maintaining peace and advancing development in Manipur.
He added that the new Nyaya Sanhita seeks to deliver speedy justice, emphasises victims' rights and dignity, encourages the use of digital technology, prescribes time‑bound investigations and trials, and strengthens scientific methods of investigation.
The two‑day seminar, held at the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), was organised jointly by the Home Department, the Law & Legislative Affairs Department and the Manipur Judicial Academy. The seminar aims to deliberate on the effective implementation of the new criminal laws and the evolving landscape of criminal justice administration.
Chief Minister Khemchand Singh, addressing the gathering, said the presence of eminent judges, distinguished legal practitioners, senior prosecutors and experts from across the country reflects the significance of this initiative.
He added that an effective criminal justice system is not merely an instrument for enforcing laws but the foundation upon which peace, security, constitutional governance and public trust are built.
He stated that it is an integrated mechanism comprising the Police, the Prosecution, the Judiciary and the Prison Administration. Each institution performs a distinct constitutional responsibility, from investigation and prosecution to adjudication and correction, but all are united by a common objective, ensuring justice while safeguarding the rights and dignity of every individual.
The Chief Minister noted that the enactment of the BNS, BNSS and BSA marks a transformative phase in India's legal history. These landmark pieces of legislation represent a decisive move away from colonial legal frameworks towards a justice system that is contemporary, technology‑enabled and citizen‑focused.
He added that a justice system that is fair, humane and efficient becomes the strongest guarantee of democratic governance and sustainable development.
The Manipur government remains fully committed to ensuring the effective implementation of the new Nyaya Sanhitas, he pointed out.
The Chief Minister further stated that the government is investing in capacity building, technological upgradation, modern forensic support, digital infrastructure and continuous training of police officers, prosecutors and other stakeholders so that the objectives envisioned by these historic legislations are translated into tangible outcomes for the people.
Manipur High Court Chief Justice M. Sundar stated that the programme reflects the harmonious convergence of all pillars of democratic governance in pursuit of a common constitutional objective that the administration of criminal justice must be fair, efficient, humane and firmly anchored in the rule of law.
"The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law. While we may reform our laws to enhance security, we must ensure such reform passes under the scrutiny of our constitutional ethos and principles," the Chief Justice observed.
The two‑day seminar features technical sessions on key aspects of the new criminal justice framework, including chargesheet and investigation, trial in criminal cases, arrest and bail, and procedures and safeguards under Preventive Detention laws and the Prevention of Illicit Traffic (PIT) and the NDPS Act.
The sessions are being led by eminent jurists and legal experts, including Justice Sonia Gokani, former Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court; Justice R. Basant, former Judge of the Kerala High Court and Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India; Justice Ashim Kumar Roy, former Judge of the Calcutta High Court; Justice N. Nirmal Kumar, Judge of the Madras High Court; Siddharth Luthra, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India and former Additional Solicitor General of India; Sonia Mathur, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India; and E.V. Chandrasekaran, Special Public Prosecutor for the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Madras High Court.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The shift from colonial laws to citizen-centric ones is long overdue. I appreciate the emphasis on digital technology and time-bound investigations. But in a state like Manipur, where infrastructure is often lacking, how will these new laws be implemented? The government must invest in training cops and judges, not just talk about it. Hope the Chief Minister's commitment to capacity building is real.
"Rule of law" sounds great, but in Manipur, we've seen too many instances where justice is delayed or denied, especially in cases involving human rights violations. These seminars are good for networking but often produce little change. The Governor and CM should focus on reducing pendency in courts and ensuring that victims' families get closure. Actions speak louder than speeches.
I'm an observer from outside, but it's impressive to see a state government in India seriously discussing criminal justice reform. The involvement of judges and experts from across the country shows a collaborative spirit. However, I hope this isn't just about the new codes—real change needs a cultural shift in how police and prosecutors treat citizens. The test will be in the implementation.
Finally, someone is talking about victims' rights and dignity! The old system often forgot the victim in the rush to punish the accused. The emphasis on time-bound trials and scientific investigation is crucial. But let's not forget that in border states like Manipur, security concerns can complicate things. Balancing swift justice with due process will be a challenge. Kudos to the organisers for this seminar. 🙏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.