Meghalaya Chief Justice lays foundation stone for New East Khasi Hills district court complex

Shillong, June 30: 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, in a major boost to judicial infrastructure in the state.

The ceremony was attended by Law Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, High Court judges Justice H.S. Thangkhiew, Justice W. Diengdoh and Justice B. Bhattacharjee, Shillong Bar Association president H.R. Nath, judicial officers, members of the Bar and government officials.

Describing the occasion as a historic milestone, Justice Revati Mohite Dere said the new complex would pave the way for a stronger, more accessible and efficient justice delivery system.

She noted that the existing District Court in Shillong, which has served for more than a century, is no longer equipped to handle the growing number of cases and lacks adequate space for judges, lawyers and litigants.

The Chief Justice said the new complex would provide additional courtrooms, improve access to justice, facilitate the use of technology for speedy disposal of cases and ensure greater dignity and convenience for litigants.

Emphasising that district courts are the first point of contact for most citizens seeking justice, she said the new complex would be built on the principles of accessibility, integrity, efficiency and humanity.

Justice Dere also highlighted the need for modern judicial infrastructure to effectively implement the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, including facilities for e-filing, video conferencing, video recording of evidence and dedicated witness deposition rooms.

“Good infrastructure is no longer a luxury but a necessity for ensuring timely justice,” she said, adding that the new court complex is being built not just for judges but for every citizen seeking justice, including women, children and other vulnerable sections of society.

Addressing the gathering, Law Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said the project would significantly strengthen Meghalaya’s justice delivery system and enhance public confidence in the judiciary.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic had underscored the need for improved judicial infrastructure and greater integration of technology in court functioning.

The minister assured continued support from the state government in improving judicial infrastructure across Meghalaya and expressed hope that the project would be completed within the stipulated timeframe.

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