Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 163/13

HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA INAUGURATED

Shillong, March 25, 2013: The High Court of Meghalaya was inaugurated by the Chief justice of India, Justice Altamas Kabir on 25th March, 2013 at Shillong in the presence of Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma, Union Law and Justice Minister Mr. Ashwani Kumar.

In his speech, Justice Kabir said that the inauguration of this High Court is the fulfillment of the provision of the constitution of India which say that each state should have its own high court. The opening of the High Court of Meghalaya will go a long way in the mitigation of the various legal problems face by the people of the State, added Justice Kabir.

Justice Kabir, expressed hope that the Chief Justice of the High Court of Meghalaya, Justice T. Meena Kumari will be able to do justice to the State and to the legal problems face by the people. The law and its various distinct forums that will be within easy access of the people said Justice Kabir with opening of this high court.

Earlier, Mr. Ashwani Kumar, Union Minister for Law and Justice said with the opening of the new high court is the fulfillment of the long standing demand of the people of the state and with the operationalisation of this high court, justice is now at the doorsteps of the people. He also said that it will ensure expeditious justice to all and according to the local traditions, customs and local realities.

Chief Minister, Dr. Mukul Sangma in his brief speech said the inauguration of the High Court of Meghalaya is the fructification of many years of struggle of the State of having its own high court. Dr. Mukul Sangma expressed hope that with the establishment of this high court speedy trial and early disposal of cases will become a reality.

Others who spoke on the occasion includes Judges of the Supreme Court of India, Justice Aftab Alam and Justice G. S. Mishra, Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya Mr. Rowell Lyngdoh, Chief Justice of the Guwahati High Court, Justice A. K. Goel and Chief Justice of the High court of Meghalaya, Justice T. Meena Kumari. Mr. W.M.S.Pariat, Chief Secretary delivered the welcome address while Mr. K. S. Kynjing Advocate General of Meghalaya proposed the vote of thanks.

It may be mentioned that the creation of the High Courts of Meghalaya, Manipur and Tripura come into effects after the amendment of the North East Re Organisation Act, 1971. It may be added that on 23rd March, 2013, Justice T. Meena Kumari was sworn in as the first Chief Justice of the High Court of Meghalaya by the Governor of Meghalaya Mr. Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary. The others two judges of the High Court of Meghalaya are Justice T.M.K. Sen and Justice S. R. Sen who were sworn in by the Chief Justice of the High Court of Meghalaya, Justice T. Meena Kumari, later in the day.