The Ukhrul District Bar Association has raised a question over the delay in constructing the long overdue Ukhrul District and Session Court Complex at Rayotang, Ukhrul.
President of Ukhrul Bar Association, Advocate Michael Zimik in a press briefing on Tuesday expressed the collective frustration of the legal fraternity and the wider community over the stalled project. He pointed out that “the foundation stone for the District and Session Court Complex of Tamenglong and Ukhrul was laid on the same day by the then Chief Minister of Manipur, Okram Ibobi Singh on 12 February 2016. The construction of Tamenglong District and Sessions Court Complex has been completed and is functioning smoothly. However, Ukhrul remains stuck in bureaucratic delay tactics and government indifference.”
“Ukhrul is one of the oldest districts in Manipur, yet we are being denied the most fundamental pillar of democracy. How would the profession survive if there is no court complex. Youngsters are coming up day by day, there are around 60 advocates from Ukhrul and Kamjong District” stated Advocate Michael Zimik.
All other districts have completed construction of their respective court complexes and made them operational. Why is Ukhrul being kept in suspense? The silence of the Law Department of Manipur and the District Administration of Ukhrul on this very issue is very unfortunate. Advocate Michael Zimik squarely blamed the Law Department of Manipur who is responsible for issuing tender and bidding for the construction of a court complex, the district administration -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, the actual construction of the court building is yet to commence. Advocate Zimik revealed that all earlier disputes regarding the land—especially an encroached area measuring 32×40 square feet once used by the Masjid have been amicably resolved. He clarified that an MoU was signed between the Juma Masjid Committee 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,” asserted Advocate Zimik.
Two former Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court had visited the premise and had promised to begin the construction work. The promise and assurance remains hollow.
Advocate Michael Zimik stated that “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.”
With growing public support, the demand for the early construction of Ukhrul District and Sessions Court is gaining momentum.
