Don't prevent lawyers, regardless of their community, to appear before courts: SC to Manipur bar associations

The Supreme Court on Monday directed bar associations of Manipur to not prevent any lawyer, regardless of his/her community, from appearing before courts in Manipur. Observing that access to justice should not be prevented, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud made it clear that violation of the court order will be considered contempt of court.

"Any lawyer contravening this order will be proceeded accordingly," SC ordered. The development took place when the bench resumed the hearing of a clutch of petitions pertaining to violence in the state.

SC ordered the Manipur government, in consultation with the acting chief justice of the Manipur High Court, to ensure that video conferencing facilities are set up and operationalised to ensure that any member of the bar desirous of appearing before the court, is allowed to do so.


Verbally observing that "giving a hearing is part of the healing process", SC cautioned against "mudslinging against rival communities". The bench also remarked it does not propose to run the Manipur administration in the Supreme Court.

At the previous hearing, SC had asked the Union home secretary to convene a meeting with the three-member all-women judicial committee, headed by justice (retired) Gita Mittal.