From Our Correspondent
Tura, March 22: The new court building of the Sub-Divisional Court at Dadenggre was virtually inaugurated by Chief Justice, High Court of Meghalaya I P Mukerji on Saturday.
The inaugural programme was attended by Speaker Thomas A Sangma, Minister in-charge Law Ampareen Lyngdoh, Dadenggre MLA Rupa M Marak, other distinguished dignitaries, nokmas and the residents of the area.
Highlighting the historical background of the Court, the chief justice informed that initially 7 acres of land was allotted for the construction of a permanent court building on May 17, 2017, and later on additional land of about 6.76 acres was allotted on February 19, 2021, for construction of the residential units for which the foundation stone was laid on 16 October 2020.
He further mentioned that the court building houses courtrooms, VC rooms, office rooms, security barracks, and separate rooms for vulnerable weaknesses, etc are also available in a separate block.
Expressing his gratitude for the support and cooperation from the state government and other stakeholders.
Speaker Thomas A Sangma lauded the inauguration of the landmark building and said he was inspired to see the vision of the government transform into a reality that this court complex stands as a symbol of justice and equality for all citizens.
Meanwhile, Minister in-charge Law Ampareen Lyngdoh stated that access to justice is not just a phrase but a fundamental right and the government is committed to making this right a reality for every single person in the state.
She informed that the government is motivated to ensure that justice reaches every nook and corner keeping in mind a database that indicated that the total number of both pending and disposed cases in this court were as high as 1030 cases and over 7243 cases are pending or have recently been disposed in Phulbari Circuit Court.
Mentioning that the Phulbari Circuit Court in West Garo Hills is the first circuit court in the State, she said that it was established due to the high number of cases and said this decision reflects the government’s core agenda to bring legal remedies to the doorstep of its people.
She expressed hope that the establishment of the Sub-Divisional Court at Dadenggre would ease the burden of the delivery of justice to the people.
Justice H S Thangkhiew said that it marks a significant commitment to strengthening the pillars of justice and ensuring accessible, effective and transparent legal services to all.
Meanwhile, Dadenggre MLA Rupa M Marak said that it is a matter of great pride for the people to have the Sub-Divisional Court which will bring justice closer to the people and also highlight the separation of the Executive and Judiciary to the people of the area.
Further, the District and Sessions Judge, West Garo Hills A M Ripnar highlighted the background and establishment of the Dadenggre Sub-Division Court comprising of three Civil Sub-Divisions namely Dadenggre Civil Sub-Division, Raksamgre Civil Sub-Division, Jengjal Civil Sub-Division and seven Police Stations, the opening of the Phulbari Circuit Court by which there are two benches one in Dadenggre and one in Phulbari Circuit Court.
During the function, the Tura Bar Association presented a song while different cultural items including the Garo folk song, Wangala and Hajong dance were also presented.