Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, July 2:
In a bold and urgent appeal to the Government of Manipur, the Ukhrul District Bar Association has raised a red flag over the inordinate delay in constructing the long-overdue District and Sessions Court building at Reiyotang, Ukhrul. Describing the decade-long wait as a “judicial burial ground in broad daylight,” the association, led by President Advocate Michael Zimik, has vowed to fight relentlessly until construction begins.
Addressing a press briefing at the Tangkhul Express TV Studio on Tuesday, Zimik expressed the collective frustration of the legal fraternity and the wider community over the stalled project. He pointed out that the court complex at Ukhrul was inaugurated back in 2015 by then Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh—on the same day as Tamenglong’s court complex. Yet, while Tamenglong’s court has since been fully constructed and is functioning smoothly, Ukhrul remains stuck in bureaucratic inertia and political neglect.
“Ukhrul is one of the oldest districts in Manipur, yet we are being denied the most fundamental pillar of democracy – an active, functioning court. This is not just delay; it’s a denial of justice for the entire Tangkhul region,” Zimik said.
The situation, according to the Bar Association, exposes a glaring disparity and an attitude of neglect. “Even districts that began constructing their court complexes years after Ukhrul have completed them and made them operational. Why is Ukhrul being kept in suspense?” Zimik questioned sharply.
He squarely blamed the concerned government departments, the district administration, and especially the SDO Ukhrul for their lack of will and commitment. “The judiciary here has become a corpse – lifeless, neglected, and invisible. The administrative machinery has failed to act bravely and with conviction,” he added.
The fencing of the court complex boundary began in 2016 and is reportedly 98% complete. However, actual construction of the building is yet to commence. Zimik revealed that all earlier disputes regarding the land—especially an encroached area measuring 32×40 sq. ft. once used as a masjid—have been amicably resolved.
He clarified that a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Jamu Masjid Ukhrul, led by Chairman and Imam Abdur Rahman, and the authorities, agreeing to vacate the area within seven days. That deadline has already passed, and the site now stands free from all encumbrances. “There is no reason—legal or logistical—to delay construction any further,” he asserted.
He also recalled the visit of a former Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court who promised to begin construction within two and a half months. However, following the transfer of the Chief Justice, the commitment was left in limbo. Recently, another Chief Justice from the Manipur High Court visited the site, conducted a thorough inspection, and gave clear instructions for the immediate commencement of work after being apprised of the situation.
“We hope this latest assurance will not meet the same fate as earlier ones. If the government fails to act now, we are prepared to launch a sustained campaign—through legal action, public mobilization, and peaceful protest—to demand our right to justice infrastructure,” Zimik declared.
The Ukhrul Bar Association currently comprises over 60 advocates practicing across Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, with many more enrolling. Despite having a strong membership, the lack of a proper court complex has significantly hampered the effective delivery of legal services.
“Due to the absence of a dedicated court building, we are unable to function professionally and efficiently. This has a direct impact not just on lawyers, but more importantly, on ordinary citizens seeking justice,” Zimik added.
He also announced plans to initiate a legal awareness campaign across remote villages in the district. “We are ready to take justice to the grassroots. But how can we uphold the law when the very seat of justice lies unfinished and ignored?”
The Bar Association concluded the press meet with a direct SOS to the state government:
“No more excuses. No more delays. Begin construction now – or be ready to face the full legal and democratic resistance of the Ukhrul legal community.”