In a strong appeal to address judicial delays, the Manipur Bar Association HC judge demand was formally submitted to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) on September 3, 2025, urging an increase in the Manipur High Court’s judge strength from 5 to 7. The request comes amid a staggering 3,651 pending cases, raising serious concerns about access to timely justice in the state.
Why the Demand Matters: A Judicial Bottleneck in Manipur
The Manipur High Court currently operates with only five judges, which legal experts argue is insufficient given the rising caseload. According to the Bar Association, the backlog has reached critical levels, affecting civil, criminal, and constitutional matters alike.
Key Statistics:
- Pending Cases: 3,651
- Current Judge Strength: 5
- Proposed Strength: 7
- Vacancy Duration: Over 18 months for some posts
This demand is not just administrative—it reflects the growing frustration among litigants and lawyers who face months, sometimes years, of delay in getting their cases heard.
Voices from the Legal Community
Senior Advocate Ranjit Kumar, speaking on behalf of the Manipur Bar Association, emphasized, “Justice delayed is justice denied. Increasing the judge strength is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.”
The Association also highlighted that the current bench is overwhelmed, often leading to adjournments and limited hearing slots. This has particularly impacted urgent matters such as bail applications, writ petitions, and public interest litigations.
The Role of the Chief Justice of India
The appeal was addressed directly to CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, who has previously advocated for strengthening judicial infrastructure across India. The Bar Association hopes that the CJI will take swift action by recommending the appointments to the Supreme Court Collegium, which oversees judicial postings.
For more on the Collegium system, visit Supreme Court of India’s official page.
Impact on Litigants and Legal Ecosystem
The delay in case disposal has had a ripple effect:
- Litigants face prolonged uncertainty
- Lawyers struggle with scheduling and income instability
- Public trust in the judiciary erodes
In fact, recent surveys conducted by local NGOs show that over 60% of litigants in Manipur feel disillusioned with the pace of justice.
Infrastructure Challenges and Staffing Gaps
Beyond judge appointments, the Bar Association also flagged concerns about:
- Inadequate courtroom space
- Shortage of clerical staff and stenographers
- Limited digital infrastructure for e-filing and virtual hearings
These issues compound the delays and make it harder for the judiciary to function efficiently, especially in remote districts.
Strengthen Manipur’s Judiciary
The Manipur Bar Association has called upon:
- The Supreme Court Collegium to expedite appointments
- The Ministry of Law and Justice to allocate funds for infrastructure
- Civil society and media to amplify the urgency of the issue
Citizens are encouraged to support judicial reform by engaging with legal awareness campaigns and reporting inefficiencies through platforms like eCourts Services.
A Crucial Step Toward Timely Justice
The Manipur Bar Association HC judge demand is more than a procedural request—it’s a plea for justice. With 3,651 cases pending, the need for judicial reinforcement is urgent and undeniable. If the CJI and relevant authorities act swiftly, Manipur could see a significant improvement in case disposal rates and public trust in the legal system.
As the state grapples with complex legal challenges, from ethnic violence cases to constitutional petitions, a stronger bench is essential. The time to act is now.
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