Thursday, Sep 24, 2026 10:30 [IST]
Last Update: Wednesday, Sep 23, 2026 17:25 [IST]
GANGTOK, : The High Court of Sikkim has set up a
fact-finding committee to inquire into and submit a report regarding the
dilapidated conditions of Sikkim Government Law College. Five members of the
Bar Association of Sikkim have been appointed to the committee.
The Buildings and Housing Department was directed by the High Court of
Sikkim during the hearing on September 22 to inspect the structural stability
of the college building and submit a report to the court.
Students of the Sikkim Government Law College had recently suspended
academic classes while highlighting the lack of proper infrastructure and
facilities at the college campus located in Burtuk, Gangtok. They also
submitted a representation to the Chief Justice on September 11, following
which the court initiated a suo motu PIL, with the first hearing taking place
on September 17.
During the second hearing on September 22, three students of the Sikkim
Government Law College were heard by the court regarding the poor
infrastructure conditions of their college. They also submitted photographs to
show the dilapidated condition of the law college.
The court also heard the State Additional Advocate General.
In its order, the division bench of Chief Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque
and Justice Bhaskar Raj Pradhan listed seven issues concerning the Sikkim
Government Law College that need to be addressed.
The issues include the structural stability of the building and the lack
of proper library facilities, as per the requirements prescribed by the Bar
Council of India. The other issues were the lack of Moot Court halls, a proper
conference hall/auditorium for seminars, hostel facilities, sufficient
washrooms and toilets, and sports facilities.
“Having considered these issues, this Court is of the view that there is
a need to appoint a Fact-Finding Committee for an inquiry by the Members of the
Bar Associations of Sikkim and for submission of a report before this Court,”
said the division bench.
The fact-finding committee consists of senior advocate Karma Thinlay
Namgyal, senior advocate Tashi Rapten Barfungpa, Deputy Solicitor General of
India Sangita Pradhan, advocate Zola Megi, and advocate Kazi Sangay Thupden.
The committee was directed to submit a report to the court regarding the lack
of facilities in the college.
“Apart from the above, we need to obtain a report from the Structural
Engineer of the Buildings & Housing Department, Government of Sikkim, as to
the stability of the Law College building. They shall inspect the Law College
building immediately and submit a report before this Court on the next
posting,” directed the division bench.
The court further directed the State government to file a statement on
the measures it proposes to take and the timeline within which these measures
would be undertaken.
The matter is listed for the next hearing on September 29.
