NAMCHI: The Additional Court of the District & Sessions Judge, Namchi, was jointly inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Sikkim Mr Prem Singh Tamang, and the Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim Mr Justice A Muhamed Mustaque, at the Namchi Courts Complex on September 21.
The inauguration marks a significant step towards strengthening judicial infrastructure and enhancing access to justice for the people of Namchi and adjoining areas.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang emphasised that an accessible, responsive and efficient justice delivery system is essential for strengthening public confidence in the rule of law and ensuring fair and timely justice for all.
He stated that access to justice is a vital pillar of good governance and reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to making public institutions more accessible, accountable and people-oriented, particularly for citizens residing in remote and rural areas.
The Chief Minister expressed his appreciation to the Chief Justice for his continued guidance and cooperation in advancing the cause of justice in the State. He also highlighted the reforms undertaken within the judicial system, including measures under Rule 4/4 concerning appointments, aimed at ensuring fair opportunities for eligible Sikkimese candidates.
Reiterating the Government’s commitment to extending full support to the Judiciary and strengthening judicial infrastructure across the State, the Chief Minister stated that the establishment of courts at various sub-divisional levels would facilitate easier access to justice and reduce the hardship faced by people travelling long distances to seek legal recourse.
He further highlighted the creation of the new districts of Soreng and Pakyong as a significant milestone in the decentralisation of governance, bringing administration, essential public services and development opportunities closer to the people. He stated that such initiatives reflect the collective resolve towards inclusive development, effective administration and people-centric governance.
The Chief Minister also congratulated the High Court of Sikkim, the District & Sessions Court, Namchi, the Law Department, the Buildings & Housing Department, and all officers, officials and stakeholders whose collective efforts contributed to the establishment of the Additional Court. He expressed confidence that the new judicial institution would uphold the principles of fairness, dignity, efficiency and dedication in the service of the people.
In his address, Chief Justice Mr Justice A Muhamed Mustaque congratulated all stakeholders on the establishment of the Additional Court at Namchi and appreciated the support and cooperation extended by the Government of Sikkim and the Chief Minister in facilitating its establishment within a short period. He stated that the new Court would contribute towards making justice more accessible and convenient for the people of Namchi and the surrounding areas.
The Chief Justice also emphasised the need for establishing a Bar Council of Sikkim and highlighted the proposal to be put forward in this regard. He stated that the initiative would contribute towards the welfare of practising advocates and the overall strengthening of the legal profession in the State.
Addressing wider concerns affecting children and young people, the Chief Justice expressed concern over the increasing instances of POCSO-related cases, substance abuse and other challenges impacting the well-being of children in the State. He stressed the importance of awareness and preventive measures at the school and community levels, particularly through age-appropriate programmes on child safety, substance abuse and suicide prevention.
He further emphasised that the administration of justice must remain sensitive to the needs and circumstances of children, especially those indirectly affected by criminal proceedings. Underscoring the need to safeguard the interests of children, he stated that they must not be made to bear the consequences of offences committed by their parents. He called for appropriate care, support and protection for juveniles and children of persons undergoing conviction or incarceration.
The Chief Justice also advocated for counselling and emotional support services in schools, along with stronger coordination among the Judiciary, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies and concerned departments to ensure timely intervention, protection and rehabilitation of children.
Minister Mr Raju Basnet, in his address, stated that the establishment of the Additional Court would strengthen judicial infrastructure in Namchi by reducing the burden on existing judicial institutions, facilitating the expeditious disposal of cases and ensuring timely and accessible justice for the people.
He further highlighted the Government’s concerted efforts towards child protection, preventive counselling and awareness of children’s rights, including age-appropriate education on safe and unsafe touch. He emphasised the importance of coordinated interventions involving the Education Department, Social Welfare Department and Women,Child, Senior Citizens and Divyangjan Welfare Department to safeguard children and promote their overall well-being.
The programme was attended by the Minister for Education, Sports and Youth Affairs and Law and Parliamentary Affairs Mr Raju Basnet, Chairperson of the Sikkim State Human Rights Commission, former Chief Justice of the Patna High Court and former Judge of the High Court of Sikkim Ms Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai, MLA Mr Satish Chandra Rai, MLA Mr Sanjeet Kharel, Registrar General of the High Court of Sikkim Mr Karma Wangchuk Bhutia, Legal Remembrancer-cum-Law Secretary Mr Suraj Chettri, Principal Chief Engineer-cum-Secretary Buildings & Housing Department Mr C V Basnett, DC Namchi Ms Anupa Tamling and SSP Namchi Ms Sonam Doma Bhutia.
Also present were the Ld. Registrars, Ld. Registrar (Judicial Service), District & Sessions Judges, Chief Judicial Magistrates, Civil Judge-cum-Judicial Magistrates, President of the Bar Association of the High Court of Sikkim, Presidents and Executive Members of the Bar Associations of Namchi, Gyalshing and Soreng, along with Heads of Offices from various line departments of Namchi District.
-IPR Report
