Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Saturday, 18 July declared that the criminal justice system is the cornerstone of a democratic society, stressing that it protects citizens' rights, safeguards public order, ensures accountability, and strengthens public confidence in constitutional institutions. His remarks came at the inaugural session of a two-day Seminar on Criminal Justice Administration held at the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) in Imphal.

Key Remarks from the Governor

Addressing the gathering, Governor Bhalla underscored that the administration of criminal justice is not merely a legal function but a democratic imperative. He highlighted the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) as a historic shift away from colonial-era laws toward a modern, citizen-centric justice system.

Bhalla stressed that the success of these reforms depends on the coordinated functioning of the police, prosecution, judiciary, and prison administration. He noted that the new Nyaya Sanhita seeks to deliver speedy justice, emphasises victims' rights and dignity, encourages digital technology, prescribes time-bound investigations and trials, and strengthens scientific methods of investigation.

Chief Minister on Justice Delivery

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said the strength of any democratic society lies in the confidence of its people that justice will be delivered fairly, promptly, and impartially. He described an efficient and transparent justice delivery system as essential for upholding the rule of law and reinforcing public trust in democratic institutions.

Khemchand Singh called the enactment of the BNS, BNSS, and BSA a transformative phase in India's legal history — a decisive departure from colonial legal frameworks toward a justice system that is contemporary, technology-enabled, and citizen-focused. He stated that the Manipur government remains fully committed to effective implementation of the new Nyaya Sanhitas, and is investing in capacity building, technological upgradation, modern forensic support, digital infrastructure, and continuous training of police officers and prosecutors.

High Court Chief Justice Weighs In

Manipur High Court Chief Justice M. Sundar observed that the seminar reflects the harmonious convergence of all pillars of democratic governance in pursuit of a common constitutional objective. 'The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law. While we may reform our laws to enhance security, we must ensure such reform passes under the scrutiny of our constitutional ethos and principles,' the Chief Justice said.

Also present at the inaugural function were Justice A. Bimol Singh and Justice A. Guneshwar Sharma of the Manipur High Court, Advocate General H. Lenin Singh, and senior officers from the civil administration, police, judiciary, and members of the bar.

Seminar Structure and Expert Sessions

The two-day seminar was organised jointly by the Home Department, the Law and Legislative Affairs Department, and the Manipur Judicial Academy. Technical sessions cover key aspects of the new criminal justice framework, including chargesheet and investigation, trial procedures, arrest and bail, and safeguards under Preventive Detention laws, the Prevention of Illicit Traffic (PIT), and the NDPS Act.

Sessions are being led by eminent jurists including Justice Sonia Gokani, former Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court; Justice R. Basant, former Judge of the Kerala High Court and Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India; Justice Ashim Kumar Roy, former Judge of the Calcutta High Court; Justice N. Nirmal Kumar, Judge of the Madras High Court; Siddharth Luthra, Senior Advocate and former Additional Solicitor General of India; Sonia Mathur, Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court; and E.V. Chandrasekaran, Special Public Prosecutor for the National Investigation Agency (NIA) at the Madras High Court.

The seminar's outcomes are expected to inform the ground-level rollout of the new criminal laws across Manipur's justice delivery ecosystem.