Concerning the numerous land scams brought to the daylight in Manipur, former Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) chairman Khaidem Mani on Sunday alleged that the functioning of tribunal courts in the state has become defunct and the cases are being settled through bribery.
Speaking to the media on the various loopholes in the judiciary system of the state at his residence at Loklaobung in Imphal West, he cited the recent suspension of two MCS officers and Settlement officials for allegedly involving in a land scam case.
In order to curb such irregularities, Mani suggested holding of Tribunal Courts’ sittings twice or thrice in a week, besides giving legal training to all officials related with the settlement cases.
Regarding the absence of a full-fledged prosecution director, he pointed out that is the reason for the weakness of prosecution in Manipur, thereby leading to granting bail to accused of many sensitive cases.
Meanwhile, stating that the Manipur High Court is being functioning by only three judges who are handling over 100 to 150 cases per bench per day, he stressed the need of appointing the two vacant judges of the high court for smooth and speedy conduction of the cases.
Mani also pointed out that the number of judges in the lower courts is outnumbered by the number of courts and many subordinate courts are yet to be established.
One Grade-I judge handles two or three District and Session Courts, besides handling other subordinate courts, he said, stressing the need of more judges.
Concerning all the loopholes in the judiciary system, the former MHRC chairman stressed the need of doing the needful at the earliest by all the authorities concerned in the larger interest of justice in Manipur.
“After all the key to good governance is having a vibrant rule of law by strengthening the judiciary and with active participation of the legislature, executive and the media which is considered as the fourth estate,” added Mani.
