1. Heard Mr. I. Lalitkumar, learned senior counsel assisted by Mr. Rommel, learned counsel as well as Mr. Kh. Mani, learned senior counsel assisted by Mr. Y. Johnson, learned counsel for the petitioner. Heard also Mr. Th. Ibohal, learned Advocate General, Manipur assisted by Mr. Viscount, Jr. G.A. as well as Mr. N. Ibotombi, learned Addl. Advocate General, Manipur assisted by Ms. N. Savitri, learned Jr. G.A. for the State respondents.

2. One of the most delicate functions of the Court in a democracy which is based on rule of law, is to strike the fine balance between the rights of the citizens and the responsibility of the State to ensure maintenance of law and order and preservation of society. This task has become more onerous with the widening of the horizon and scope of the human rights, vis-a-vis the increasing challenges faced by the State to maintain law and order and preserve the society. Any overzealous tilt towards the individual rights may lead to anarchy and undue emphasis on the power of the State may tend towards authoritarianism. In this unique and dynamic role of the judiciary, fortunately, for this country, broad guidelines have been delineated b