From Our Correspondent
MAWKYRWAT, Sep 9: Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court, Justice Biswanath Somadder, inaugurated the permanent building of the District and Sessions Court in Mawkyrwat, South West Khasi Hills, on Thursday.
The construction of the court building was sanctioned at an amount of Rs 2126.50 lakhs. The building comprises four court rooms and a POCSO Court.
It was designed by the architects of PWD (Buildings) and executed and supervised by engineers of the Office of the Executive Engineer, PWD (Buildings), Shillong Building Division, while the contractor is HR Thabah.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Justice said that the court will provide easier access to justice to the people of South West Khasi Hills through procedure established by law. “Rule of law is for everyone and so is the concept of justice,” Justice Somadder said.
“Through the District Legal Service fraternity we will bring access to justice at the doorsteps, especially of those who belong to the marginalised section of the society here. Justice cannot be confine to only those who can afford, justice is for everyone and access to justice is one of the primary motives of the legal services movement throughout the country. This access to justice brings not only accessibility but introduces a sense of confidence of the marginalised section of the society. The objective of this District Judiciary will be to give access and provide quality justice irrespective of the financial status of the litigants, those who have difficulties specially those who stayed in remote areas,” he said.
The Chief Justice also appreciated the judicial officials for working tirelessly to render justice, while requesting the judicial officers not to let down the people.
“Be little sensitive, especially towards those litigants who come from the marginalised section of the society they have nowhere to go, they come for justice, they have no one to fall back upon, we will make an effort not to let them down,” he said.
Meanwhile, Law Minister James K Sangma said that the idea of judicial infrastructure cannot be one that is static rather it should respond and adapt to the changes in surrounding context, presence of professionals and access of help plays pivotal role to approach the court.
He said that the presence of the Court will bring relief to litigants and justice will be nearer to the people of this District.
Others who were present include PHE Minister Renikton L Tongkhar, Meghalaya High Court Judges, Justice RV More, Justice HS Thangkhiew and Justice W Diengdoh.