By Our Reporter
on Friday. (UB)
SHILLONG: Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court T Meena Kumari has stressed on proper interpretation of customary laws.
“Since matrilineal Meghalaya falls under the Sixth schedule it is very important to have an interpreter to ensure that the customary laws of the land are not misinterpreted,” she said.
Speaking at a farewell function on the High Court premises here on Friday, Justice Kumari said the Sixth Schedule is an important provision laid down for the protection of the minority communities.
Justice Kumari will retire on Saturday after serving the State for five months. Justice TMK Singh will assume charge as the Acting Chief Justice until a new Chief Justice is appointed
Taking cognizance of the fact that the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution focuses on the protection of interests of tribal population, the Chief Justice underscored the crucial aspect of probable misconstruing of these laws which could work against the overall interests of tribal people.
Referring to the present status of the newly-created Meghalaya High Court, she stressed on the need to strengthen manpower and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, speaking on the sidelines of the function, Justice Kumari informed that she had approached the Chief Minister to allot about 20 acres of land to the High Court and 10 acres of land for its staff.
“Manpower is still lacking and there is a need to increase the strength of the High Court to ensure a smooth and effective justice delivery system,” she said.
Justice T Meena Kumari was sworn in as the first Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court by Governor RS Mooshahary in March this year. Organized by the Meghalaya High Court Bar Association, the farewell function was attended by several senior advocates of the state and practicing lawyers besides others.