Justice Kotiswar shares thoughts

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 21 : Acknowledging the need for legal services authorities to be more proactive in the State during this difficult time, Justice N Kotiswar Singh, Judge, Supreme Court of India maintained that everyone should work at their individual level for a united Manipur as there is no future in divided Manipur.
He made the remark during an interaction programme and a legal awareness programme on “The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013” organised by Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) at the office of MASLSA, ADR Centre, Lamphelpat today, said a press release issued by Alek Muivah, Member Secretary, MASLSA.
The programme was graced by Justice N Kotiswar Singh and his spouse Professor Vijaylakshmi Brara as well as Judges of the High Court of Manipur- Justice A Bimol Singh, Justice A Guneshwar Sharma, Justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui and Justice Kh Nobin Singh, Director, Manipur Judicial Academy.
After perusing the work done report of MASLSA, Justice N Kotiswar Singh expressed satisfaction with the legal aid and assistance provided to the marginalized sections of society. He further encouraged all the legal functionaries to work tirelessly to ensure that legal aid and services reach the doorstep of the beneficiaries.
Underscoring the ineffectiveness of many laws passed by the Parliament due to lack of awareness among the common  people, he encouraged the State functionaries to spread awareness on the prevention of sexual harassment at workplace, drug menace and on POCSO Act.
Stating that judiciary is one institution where the fraternity dispenses its duties without any basis on caste, creed and tribe, he said that the institution can be used to bridge the gap between various societies in the State.
Meanwhile, Justice A Bimol Singh, Executive Chairman, MASLSA, opined that Justice N Kotiswar Singh has the distinction of being the first Judge of the Supreme Court of India from the State of Manipur.
When the High Court of Manipur was separated from its parent Gauhati High Court, Justice N Kotiswar Singh was instrumental in building and expanding the State Judiciary both at the High Court and the District Courts.
Justice A Bimol Singh also expressed happiness at the wisdom of Justice BR Gavai, Judge, Supreme Court of India and Executive Chairman, NALSA for nominating Justice N Kotiswar Singh to extend support and oversee the implementation of legal services programme in Manipur.
He expressed faith that with the guidance, support and intervention of Justice N Kotiswar Singh, the issues and challenges faced by the State legal functionaries will be resolved and streamlined.
As a part of the programme, Alek Muivah delivered a lecture on the topic “The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013”.
He highlighted that more women are joining the workforce both in the unorganized and organized sectors.
As provided in Article 19 of the Constitution of India, all citizens have the right to practice any profession or to carry out any occupation, trade or business. Further, Article 21 of the Constitution provides the right to life and personal liberty which includes the right to be treated with due respect, decency and dignity at the workplace.
He also highlighted the various provisions for effective implementation of the Act, such as the constitution of Internal Complaints Committee and Internal Local Committee.
Justice A Guneshwar Sharma, Judge, High Court of Manipur delivered the vote of thanks wherein he maintained that Justice N Kotiswar Singh is the face of State Legal Services Authority.
Other notable dignitaries present at the programme include Ojesh Mutum, Registrar General, High Court of Manipur; chairpersons and secretaries of District Legal Services Authorities; Judicial Officers, Legal Aid Defense Counsels, Panel Advocates and members of print and electronic media.