Legal glossary in Manipuri, translation of judgments: Manipur High Court CJ highlights digital initiatives

The Manipur High Court is preparing a legal glossary in Manipuri using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and landmark judgments of the Supreme Court and High Court are being translated into vernacular languages, High Court Chief Justice (CJ) Siddharth Mridul said on Thursday..The High Court has also established e-Sewa Kendras to help lawyers and litigants navigate technology necessary for digital interactions in court complexes in the State, he said."We have established e-Sewa Kendras designed to assist both lawyers and litigants alike in navigating the technology necessary for digital interactions in all the court complexes in the State. We have also started translating the landmark judgments of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and our High Court into local languages, and a legal glossary in Manipuri is also being prepared under the aegis of the AI Legal Translation Committee, High Court ... we have launched the Digital High Court Reports, proving free access to landmark judgments and headnotes, thereby overcoming the barriers posed by costly online journals," CJ Mridul said. He was speaking at the 78th Independence Day celebrations at the High Court where he highlighted the various digital initiatives undertaken recently..Manipur High Court judges Justices Bimol Singh, A Guneshwar Sharma and GG Kabui were also present on the occasion. CJ Mridul in his speech said that the the State has successfully implemented hybrid hearings across the High Court and the District Courts, making it easier for litigants."I am also delighted to announce that the High Court has already taken a full-court decision to increase the minimum wages for daily wagers employed within our High Court to address the increase in cost of living prices. The matter has been forwarded to the State Government for necessary orders, and we are hopeful that these orders will be issued promptly," he said.Pertinently, the full-court will be recommending that the retirement age of High Court officers and staff be increased to 62 years, he revealed.CJ Mridul also stated that a high-level monitoring committee of the High Court is working diligently to fast-track infrastructural development of the State's district judiciary. "To adequately assist the Bar Associations in both the High Court and District Court in effective implementation of e-filing, we will be distributing IT equipment very soon. Our ultimate goal is to introduce paperless courts throughout the state, enhancing efficiency and accessibility in our judicial processes," the CJ stated.He also highlighted that rules for establishing Gram Nyayalayas across the State are also being prepared. "These courts will bring justice closer to our citizens, making the legal system more accessible and responsive to the needs of every individual," the CJ said. He acknowledged and commended the dedication of judicial officers in the State for working tirelessly, and asked the government to ensure their safety."Their commitment is unwavering, yet many work in environments where their safety is not adequately guaranteed. The security of judicial officers, whether at their residences or within court complexes, is paramount. I call upon the State Government and relevant authorities to implement robust security protocols to ensure their safety, so they can perform their duties without compromising their personal well-being," he urged. .The Chief Justice also proposed the establishment of a Centre for Research and Planning at the High Court of Manipur.Such a centre currently exists at the Supreme Court and acts as a think tank to help with research among other things.