Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur, Justice M. Sundar, today asserted that there can be no justification for delaying the delivery of justice, stressing that timely access to justice is a fundamental constitutional obligation.
He made the remarks while inaugurating a one-day Capacity Building Programme for Legal Aid Defence Counsels, Panel Lawyers and Remand Lawyers, organised by the Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) at the High Court of Manipur complex in Mantripukhri.
Addressing the gathering, Justice Sundar said the Constitution not only guarantees the right to justice but also obligates the legal system to ensure that every citizen, irrespective of economic or social status, has meaningful access to legal remedies and assistance.
Referring to Article 39A of the Constitution of India, he said the State is constitutionally mandated to provide equal justice and free legal aid so that no individual is denied justice because of poverty or other disadvantages. He called upon legal aid lawyers and advocates to discharge their responsibilities with sincerity and commitment in safeguarding these constitutional principles.
The Chief Justice said the capacity-building programme would not only enhance the professional competence of legal aid functionaries but also strengthen their ability to provide effective legal assistance to the underprivileged and vulnerable sections of society.
During the programme, Judge of the High Court of Manipur Justice A. Guneshwar delivered a lecture on “The Art of Drafting,” while MASLSA Member Ch. Momon spoke on the “Role and Responsibilities of Legal Aid Defence Counsels, Panel Lawyers and Remand Lawyers.”
Justice A. Bimol, Judge of the High Court of Manipur, and Alek Muivah, Member Secretary of MASLSA, also attended the programme.
