SHILLONG: Chief Justice of the High Court of Meghalaya, Justice Revati Mohite Dere, on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for the permanent District and Sessions Court Complex for East Khasi Hills at Umsawli, Mawpat, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the state’s judicial infrastructure.
The ceremony was attended by Meghalaya Law Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, Judges of the High Court of Meghalaya Justice H.S. Thangkhiew, Justice W. Diengdoh and Justice B. Bhattacharjee, President of Shillong Bar Association HR Nath besides judicial officers, members of the Bar and government officials.
Addressing the gathering, Justice Revati Mohite Dere described the occasion as a historic moment and said the foundation stone symbolised the beginning of a stronger and more accessible justice delivery system. She said the existing District Court in Shillong, which has served for over a century, can no longer accommodate the growing number of cases and lacks adequate space for judges, lawyers and litigants.
She said the new court complex would ensure greater dignity for litigants, improve access to justice, facilitate the use of technology for faster disposal of cases and provide additional courtrooms to reduce delays. Stressing that the district judiciary is the first point of contact for most citizens with the justice delivery system, she said the new complex would be built on the principles of accessibility, integrity, efficiency and humanity.
The Chief Justice highlighted the importance of modern infrastructure in implementing the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, including facilities for video recording of evidence, e-filing, witness deposition rooms and video conferencing. She said good infrastructure was no longer a luxury but a necessity for ensuring timely justice.
She informed that the permanent court complex will be constructed over an area of about 8.67 acres and will comprise three interconnected blocks. The complex will house district judges’ courts, magistrates’ courts, exclusive POCSO courtrooms, the Bar Association office, Legal Aid Defence Council office, lawyers’ halls, waiting areas, child-friendly courtrooms, video conferencing facilities, judicial service centres, e-Seva centres, libraries, and other modern amenities. The campus has also been designed with emphasis on sustainability, accessibility, security and future expansion while preserving as many existing trees as possible.
Justice Dere said the new complex was being built not merely for judges but for every citizen seeking justice, including women, children, farmers, daily wage earners and other vulnerable sections of society. She acknowledged the support of the State Government, the Central Government, the High Court Registry, engineers and all stakeholders in making the project a reality.
Speaking on the occasion, Law Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said the construction of the new District and Sessions Court Complex would significantly strengthen the justice delivery system in Meghalaya. He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had highlighted the need for improved judicial infrastructure and greater integration of technology.
The Minister assured that the Government of Meghalaya would continue to work closely with the High Court to provide the necessary support for improving judicial infrastructure across the state. He expressed hope that the project would be completed within the stipulated timeframe and said that strengthening infrastructure would enhance public confidence in the judiciary and ensure timely delivery of justice.
