The Manipur High Court observed Constitution Day, 2023 which was organised by the High Court Legal Services Committee in association with the BAR Council of Manipur, High Court Bar Association of Manipur, All Manipur BAR Association and Manipur Judicial Academy at the auditorium hall, High Court of Manipur on Sunday.
Constitution Day is celebrated across the country on November 26 every year to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India. On November 26, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution of India, which came into effect from January 26, 1950.
Manipur High Court Justice A Guneshwar Sharma led all in reading of the Preamble of the Constitution during the function. Certificates of appreciation were distributed to the Pro-Bono advocates and Panel Lawyers of the High Court Legal Services for their commitment and contribution towards delivering effective Pro Bono services and Legal Services to the public.
Deputy registrar (Judicial) High Court of Manipur; Justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui, Judge, HighCourt of Manipur; S Brajabihari Singh, chairman of Bar Council of Manipur; Y Nirmolchand Singh, president of High Court Bar Association of Manipur and N Manikanta Singh, vice president of All Manipur Bar Association attended the function as dignitaries.
The function was also attended by officials of the Bar Council of Manipur, members of the High Court Bar Association Manipur, members of the All Manipur Bar Association, judicial officers and officers of the Registry of the High Court of Manipur.
The Constitution Day, also known as ‘Samvidhan Divas’, was also observed in Bishnupur organised by Law & Legislative Affairs Department, Government of Manipur at the Public Theatre Hall, Phoijing, Nambol, Bishnupur District.
Speaking at the function as chief guest, Law and Legislative Affairs Minister, Th Basanta Kumar Singh informed that today is a significant day in the history of Manipur as the Diglot Edition of the Constitution of India in Manipuri Language (Meetei Mayek Script) was released as a part of the celebration of Constitution Day by Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh with the inclusion of 105 Constitutional Amendments. Minister lauded the efforts put by the officials of the Law Department and other concerned persons in translating the Constitution to Meetei Mayek Scripts.
Minister further stated that the Indian Constitution is the world’s longest written constitution, adding that it is admired across the world for its broadness, inclusiveness and tolerance. He further said that the Constitution of India is for all seasons and can only be amended when required. He also elaborated that the Constitution includes Directive Principles, Fundamental Duties and Rights of people and also the political structures of Government Institutions among others. He further added that awareness is a must about the fundamental duties by the public as development can be brought only when one understands one’s duty.
He added that the inclusion of the Constitution of India in the syllabus of the Education sector will be taken up. Shri Basanta Kumar said that the Government, in consultation with the Law Department, has made a draft named - ‘Prevention of Bandhs/Blockades in National Highways, 2023’ to prevent frequent bandhs and blockades in National Highways. Under this, stern action may be taken against those organisations/groups that are associated with such activities accordingly. He also stated that the state government has enacted an Act to avoid leakage of Questions Papers and use of Unfair Means during examination.
As part of the function, the minister administered the pledge by reading out the Preamble of the Constitution of India in mother tongue.
Kh Nobin Singh, retired Judge, High Court of Manipur; P Tomcha Meetei, Advocate, President AMBA and Nungshitombi Athokpam were on the dais as Guest of Honour and President of the function respectively.
Suzanne Thingbaijam, Deputy Secretary, Law; Koijam Brojen Singh, Advocate, officials and staff of the department, elders and youths from Nambol Assembly Constituency attended the function.
