Foundation Laid for Assam's New Judicial Complex in Rangmahal

Foundation Stone Laid for Integrated Judicial Complex

Guwahati, Jan 11: The vision for an integrated judicial complex in Assam advanced significantly on Sunday as Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant laid the foundation stone at Rangmahal, located in North Guwahati.

During the inauguration, CJI Kant, who is the 53rd Chief Justice of India, commenced the ceremony by lighting a ceremonial lamp.

In his speech, he emphasized that this initiative transcends mere construction, representing a commitment to the Constitution's guarantee of justice accessibility.

Justice Kant remarked, “For those involved in legal disputes, the journey often begins outside the courtroom, as reaching it can be a significant challenge. The strain of travel can sap the energy needed for presenting their case.” He highlighted that a well-integrated judicial infrastructure would alleviate this burden.

He also mentioned that one of his main objectives as the judiciary's leader is to ensure a promising future for upcoming lawyers. While he acknowledged the importance of respecting senior Bar members, he pointed out that young attorneys require sufficient space and resources to develop their careers.

Justice Kant expressed surprise at the opposition from certain Bar sections, suggesting that it might stem from misunderstandings or a lack of awareness regarding the needs of new lawyers entering the field.

Several notable figures attended the event, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and judges from both the Supreme Court and Gauhati High Court, despite ongoing protests from parts of the legal community regarding the proposed relocation of the High Court to Rangmahal.

In his address, Sarma aimed to address the concerns voiced by some Bar members about the relocation. He reflected on his own early experiences at the Gauhati High Court, noting that while the State Assembly and Secretariat have undergone significant upgrades, the High Court's facilities have largely remained stagnant.

Sarma mentioned that the idea to relocate the High Court was initially proposed in 2022 by then Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, Justice Sandeep Mehta.

He warned that any further delays could result in the project being moved to locations such as Chhaygaon, Boko, or Jagiroad.

After assessing various locations, Rangmahal was deemed the most appropriate site, leading to the acquisition of 129 bighas of land, with local residents fully cooperating in the process.

The Chief Minister stated that the new complex will feature 31 courtrooms, 300 chambers for lawyers, and a Bar library capable of accommodating 2,000 individuals.

“Plans include dedicated facilities for district judiciary lawyers, with space for 2,000 advocates, a 1,000-seat auditorium, examination rooms, a health center, cafeteria, and landscaped areas. Additionally, a four-lane access road is being designed specifically for the High Court,” he explained.

Addressing concerns about travel times from the current High Court to Rangmahal potentially taking up to two hours, Sarma invited protesting lawyers to visit the site on March 1. He stated that if the journey from Dighalipukhuri took longer than 20–25 minutes, he would acknowledge their concerns as valid.

He added that the digitally equipped complex, which will incorporate advanced technologies like augmented and virtual reality, aims to enhance access to justice for individuals in remote areas and symbolize a “new Assam.”

The state government plans to invest approximately Rs 1,700 crore in this project, with over Rs 480 crore allocated for the initial phase and Rs 1,200 crore for the subsequent phase.

Earlier, Supreme Court Justice Sandeep Mehta expressed disappointment regarding the absence of some Bar members at the event, stating that such decisions do not benefit younger lawyers. He emphasized that the forthcoming infrastructure would enable young advocates to operate as “real professionals” with dedicated chambers and facilities.

Justice Ujjal Bhuyan from the Supreme Court acknowledged the concerns within the legal community about the new High Court complex. He assured attendees that the judiciary is aware of the challenges faced by lawyers and that no actions would be taken that could harm their interests.

Justice Bhuyan shared statistics indicating that when he joined the Bar in March 1991, Assam had around 5,090 registered lawyers, a number that has now surged past 55,000. He noted that the Gauhati High Court Bar Association, which had fewer than 400 members at that time, now boasts nearly 5,000 members.

“With a significant influx of law graduates entering the profession annually, the demand for adequate space has become essential,” Justice Bhuyan remarked.

The speakers reiterated that the Rangmahal project is designed to enhance long-term judicial efficiency and foster the professional development of the legal community.