Demand for Permanent Gauhati High Court Bench in Barak Valley Gains Momentum

Significant Developments in the Movement

Silchar, July 26: The campaign advocating for a permanent Bench of the Gauhati High Court in Barak Valley has reached a pivotal moment, as reported by the 'High Court Bench Demand Implementation Committee' following discussions with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Chief Justice of the High Court.

During a press briefing at the committee's office in Silchar, advocate Dhruba Kumar Saha, who leads the Cachar district chapter of the committee, revealed that a delegation met with both the Chief Minister and the Chief Justice on July 16 to present the long-standing demand.

“This demand, initially raised in the 1970s, has now reached a critical juncture,” stated advocate Saha.

He mentioned that the Chief Minister informed the delegation that the state government has nearly completed all necessary procedures, with further advancements hinging on the Chief Justice's approval.

Additionally, the Chief Minister tasked Borkhola MLA Kishor Nath with locating an appropriate site for the proposed Bench, as per advocate Saha's comments.

The delegation engaged in an 80-minute discussion with the Chief Justice, during which they presented a comprehensive vision document detailing the movement's history, the legal and administrative justifications for the demand, and the challenges faced by litigants in the region.

Advocate Saha noted that the Chief Justice acknowledged the initiative and assured that the proposal would be reviewed by the High Court's administrative committee.

The committee emphasized that its primary goal remains the establishment of a permanent Bench of the Gauhati High Court in Barak Valley, while also expressing openness to the creation of a circuit Bench as a temporary solution until a permanent facility is established.

Advocate Dharmananda Deb highlighted that the committee, formed in January, has gathered over 15,000 signatures supporting the cause and has developed a detailed vision document. He also mentioned that the Dima Hasao district has joined the initiative, expanding the movement's reach beyond the three districts of Barak Valley.

According to advocate Deb, the proposed Bench will necessitate at least 40 acres of land, along with sufficient judicial, residential, and administrative facilities.

Committee members reported that more than 150 organizations, NGOs, and associations have backed the movement, arguing that a permanent Bench in the area would alleviate the financial and logistical burdens faced by litigants, lawyers, and their families who currently travel to Guwahati for High Court matters.

Present at the press conference were the committee's general secretary Nikhil Paul, vice presidents Dr. Bibhas Deb and advocate Santanu Naik, along with advocates Debomita Chakraborty and Tuhina Sharma, and committee member Jyotirmoy Nath.