Asem Bhakta, Special Correspondent North East
Mao, Manipur: In a landmark event for the judicial landscape of Manipur, the Honourable Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur, Justice Siddharth Mridul, inaugurated the new Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Court Building at Mao on Wednesday. This facility, which aims to provide accessible and efficient justice to the people of Mao and the broader Senapati District, was completed in just over a year with substantial support from both Central and State funding.
The event saw attendance by prominent figures including Law & Legislative Affairs Minister Shri Th. Basanta Kumar Singh (via video conference), High Court Judges Justice A. Bimol Singh, Justice A. Guneshwar Sharma, Justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui, Mao A/C MLA Shri Losii Dikho, Law Commissioner Smt. Nungshitombi Athokpam, Registrar General Shri Ojesh Mutum, as well as other dignitaries, judiciary members, officials, and local residents.
In his address, Justice Mridul praised the completion of the project as a monumental step forward for Mao and the surrounding communities, describing the new facility as “a symbol of resilience, commitment, and unwavering faith in the rule of law.” He emphasized the role of the court building in advancing fair, transparent, and accessible justice for the people of the region.
The ₹4.53-crore building project, launched on 12th October 2023, includes state-of-the-art infrastructure such as video conferencing capabilities, allowing hybrid court hearings and removing geographic barriers to justice. Funded with ₹4.07 crores from Central sources and ₹45.32 lakhs from the State, the facility also features essential amenities including an underground sump, internal roads, and robust security provisions. In addition, two residential quarters for judicial staff have been constructed, with future plans to make the building fully accessible for disabled individuals.
Justice Mridul extended special recognition to Smt. Chipfokho Athia for her generous land donation, noting that in appreciation, her son has been appointed as the Chowkidar of the Court. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Law & Legislative Affairs Department, the Engineering Cell, and contractor M/S G. Thaninjao R. Naga & Sons.
Reflecting on the broader impact of the new facility, Justice Mridul called upon the legal community in the region—both the Bar and Bench—to uphold the integrity of the judiciary and ensure swift, impartial justice. He expressed confidence that the building would serve as a “beacon of hope, fairness, and truth” for future generations.
This inauguration marks a significant milestone in improving access to justice for the people of Mao, reducing the need for long-distance travel to seek legal recourse, and establishing a modern, comfortable environment for legal proceedings. The new JMFC Court Building embodies the state’s commitment to strengthening the judicial framework in Manipur and ensuring the rule of law prevails.
