Members of the Churachandpur Bar Association staged a protest at the Wall of Remembrance in Tuibong on Thursday in response to a controversial viral audio clip. The clip, purportedly featuring the voice of Chief Minister Biren Singh, alleges that certain Kuki judges have been involved in questionable decisions regarding individuals accused of drug-related offenses.
The protestors voiced their concerns over what they see as an attack on the judiciary’s integrity. The audio clip, which has spread widely on social media, purportedly questions the impartiality of the judiciary and suggests ethnic bias in judicial decisions. The Bar Association has condemned these accusations as malicious and harmful to the judicial system.
In their statement, the Churachandpur Bar Association highlighted the critical role of an independent judiciary in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice is administered impartially. They underscored that an independent judiciary is essential for maintaining public trust and preventing abuses of power.
“The accusations leveled in the viral audio undermine the foundation of our legal system,” the statement read. “Judges make decisions based on the law and evidence, not ethnicity. Any attempt to influence or discredit them on such grounds is unacceptable.”
The Association called for the High Court of Manipur to take appropriate contempt proceedings against those responsible for the audio's dissemination if it is proven to be doctored or defamatory. They emphasized the need to protect the judiciary from being drawn into the ethnic conflict that has plagued Manipur for over 15 months.
The Bar Association also stressed the importance of defending judicial independence as a safeguard for future generations, particularly in a context where the rule of law faces increasing challenges.
Similar protest was also organized by Kangpokpi District Bar Association at Kangpokpi.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
