Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh emphasised the need for a fair, efficient and technology-driven justice delivery system while delivering speech at the inaugural session of a two-day seminar on Criminal Justice Administration at the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Imphal.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Bhalla described the administration of criminal justice as the cornerstone of a democratic society governed by the rule of law. He said it protects citizens’ rights, safeguards public order, ensures accountability and strengthens confidence in constitutional institutions.
Referring to the new Nyaya Sanhitas, the Governor said the reforms aim to deliver speedy justice by placing greater emphasis on victims’ rights and dignity, promoting the use of digital technology, prescribing time-bound investigations and trials, and strengthening scientific methods of investigation.
Chief Minister Khemchand Singh said the criminal justice system is the foundation of peace, security, constitutional governance and public trust. He noted that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) mark a transformative shift from colonial-era laws to a modern, technology-enabled and citizen-centric justice system.
The Chief Minister called for greater coordination among the judiciary, police, prosecution and legal fraternity, expressing confidence that the seminar would generate practical recommendations to strengthen criminal justice administration in the state.
Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur M. Sundar said the seminar reflected the collective commitment of all pillars of democratic governance to ensuring that the criminal justice system remains fair, efficient, humane and firmly rooted in the rule of law.
The seminar was organised by the Home Department and the Law and Legislative Affairs Department in collaboration with the Manipur Judicial Academy. It was attended by High Court judges A. Bimol Singh and A. Guneshwar Sharma, Advocate General Lenin Singh Hijam, Director General of Police Mukesh Singh and members of the Bar Council, among others.