AIZAWL: Mizoram Law and Judicial
Secretary, P Singthanga has informed that the constitutional
anti-corruption ombudsman at state level Lokayukta for Mizoram is on the
verge of completion. He also said that DoNER has in principle approved
Rs 9 crore for renovation of the premises proposed for Mizoram High
Court.
P Singthanga said, "As the government urges to ready the Lokayukta for Mizoram, we have been accordingly working on it vigorously. After we thought we have done it, some needful has been found in our meeting with the Law Minister, on which we are working on now”.
The Law secretary said that the Lokayukta being drafted is meant to be able to investigate any case, adding, "Even the earlier exception that forbids investigation of cases prior to the last 5 years have also been omitted.”
“We feel that the Lokayukta being drafted is good enough, but whether it would be accepted or rejected is up to the authority", he said, adding, they have also looked into the suggestions of the civil societies as well.
In response to a query as to whether Mizoram is near to have its own High Court or not, Law Secretary P Singthanga said, "For purpose of renovation of the proposed premises for High Court of Mizoram, DoNER has approved Rs 9 crore in principle”. “In order to set up High Court, the government is doing its best”, he added.
He then said that the government has no influence over the court decisions as some people seem to have assumed. With effect from the implementation of Separation of Judiciary in Mizoram, all matters regarding Transfer, Posting and Promotion of Judge/Magistrate comes under the jurisdiction of Gauhati High Court, he informed.
Even formulation of their tasks in the Court and distribution of their tasks are also in the hands of Gauhati High Court. The Mizoram government has no power over such, and that the Mizoram government has even no control over the Court Staffs; they rather all comes under the power of District & Sessions Judge, the Law secretary said.
Meanwhile, there are some Orders which are to be issued by the government, in case of which Gauhati High Court informs the Mizoram government accordingly, he told the media persons.
According to Law & Judicial Department Secretary, Mizoram government also no longer deals with ACR of the Judge/Magistrate and Staffs. As such, the Mizoram Government has no direct responsibility over their good work or otherwise. Administrative and Supervision Work are in the hands of Gauhati High Court, he said.
The Secretary of the state’s Law & Judicial Department also told the media that the remarks in recent times which can make people think that the government may have influenced over the Court is wrong and that such assumptions would have but arisen out of misunderstanding or lack of adequate knowledge.
According to him, notification for implementation of separation of judiciary in Mizoram has been issued on June 16, 2005, and by mid 2008 it came into full effect.