Foundation stone laid for new District Court complex in Pakyong

PAKYONG, (IPR): Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay and Chief Justice, High Court of Sikkim, Justice Biswanath Somadder jointly laid the foundation stone for the New District Court Complex at Pakyong.

The ceremony had the presence of Judge, High Court of Sikkim, Justice Bhaskar Raj Pradhan, minister, Education, Sports & Youth Affairs, Law & Parliamentary Affairs departments cum MLA Namcheybong, Raju Basnet, minister, Labour, Buildings and Housing department cum MLA Yangthang, Bhim Hang Limboo, minister for Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, and Fisheries Development departments cum MLA Chujachen, Puran Kumar Gurung, MLA Gnathang Machong cum Advisor, Social Welfare department and Women, Child, Senior Citizen, Person with Disabilities Welfare department, Pamin Lepcha.

Also present were former Judge of the High Court of Sikkim, chairperson of the Sikkim Police Accountability Commission, Sonam Pintso Wangdi, Zilla Adhyaksha, Zilla Upadhyaksha, secretary, Law and Parliamentary Affairs department, advisor, DC Pakyong, Sr SP along with OSDs, civil judges, senior advocates, executive members of the Bar Association of Sikkim and Sikkim High Court Bar Association, and officials from various line departments.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay expressed his gratitude to the Chief Justice for his leadership in strengthening the judiciary in Sikkim, noting the remarkable progress achieved in infrastructure, accessibility, efficiency, and public trust. He stated that the judiciary forms the foundation of a principled society, and that courts serve as vital institutions in upholding the rule of law, safeguarding citizens’ rights, and ensuring fairness.

He emphasised that the establishment of the District Court Complex at Pakyong is not merely the construction of a building but the creation of a centre of justice, peace, and fairness.

The Chief Minister highlighted the State government’s ongoing efforts to expand judicial infrastructure across subdivisions, enabling residents in remote areas to access justice without travelling long distances. He also referred to the recent creation of the Directorate of Prosecution to strengthen the justice delivery system by ensuring diligent, professional, and accountable prosecution of cases across the state.

Underscoring the government’s commitment to making justice accessible to all, he assured that the poor and marginalised would not be denied their rightful remedies due to lack of resources or influence, and that regardless of position or power, would be brought before the law. He further spoke about the establishment of the National Law University in Sikkim, which is nurturing legal talent and contributing to the state’s legal framework.

The Chief Minister noted the introduction of three landmark criminal justice reforms Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, replacing colonial-era criminal laws, as a historic reform to modernise the justice system and ensure efficient trials. He commended the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority and its associated bodies for extending legal literacy to schools, rural villages, and communities, making it accessible to all.

Further, highlighting women’s empowerment, he mentioned the recent launch of the Nari Adalat initiative, aimed at providing accessible, community-based forums run by women to provide accessible and informal justice, especially in rural and semi-urban areas of Sikkim.

In conclusion, the Chief Minister extended his appreciation to all the Buildings and Housing department, officials, engineers, architects, workers and also dignitaries whose commitment and hard work have contributed to the realisation of the project, expressing hope that the new court complex will stand as a beacon of justice, security, and prosperity for the people of Pakyong region and beyond.

The Chief Justice, High Court of Sikkim, Justice Biswanath Somadder, in his address emphasised that a robust justice delivery system depends not only on judicial officers but also on adequate infrastructure and manpower. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for consistently supporting the judiciary in developing essential infrastructure during his tenure.

He stressed that accessible and well-equipped court complexes empower judicial officers to serve the public more effectively, and called for continued collaboration between the judiciary and the government to further enhance access to justice, especially for people in remote and marginalised areas. He also underlined the importance of ensuring that all citizens, regardless of background or means, are able to seek and obtain justice with dignity and fairness.

Earlier, a brief technical report on the project was delivered by principal chief engineer-cum-secretary, Buildings and Housing department, Government of Sikkim, Asha Gurung.

The upcoming District and Sessions Court, Pakyong, will comprise a total of five structures spread over an area of 2.2700 hectares. The facilities will include the main court building, an annexe block, the District & Sessions Judge’s bungalow, the Medical Magistrate’s bungalow, and the Judicial Magistrate’s bungalow.