Amid Boycott Of Bar, CJI Lays Foundation Of Integrated Complex Of Gauhati High Court
Spread over a land of 148 bighas (approximately 48 acres), the first phase of the complex is estimated to cost around Rs 479 crore
Guwahati: Amid the boycott of the Gauhati High Court Bar Association (GHCBA), Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Sunday laid the foundation stone for an integrated Judicial Court Complex in North Guwahati in Assam’s Kamrup district.
Spread over a land of 148 bighas (approximately 48 acres), the first phase of the complex is estimated to cost around Rs 479 crore. It will house the Gauhati High Court, district court buildings, and a host of integrated facilities aimed at improving access to justice and expediting case disposal at Rangmahal.
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, judges of the Supreme Court and high courts, and several dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
The proposed mega complex that will shift the Gauhati High Court to a new location will also have parking facilities for 900 cars and 400 two-wheelers.
The new complex will enhance judicial efficiency and faster justice delivery, officials said informing that all the new buildings will be interconnected through bridges, with advanced security, fire safety and disaster-resilient design.
Meanwhile the Gauhati High Court Bar Association (GHCBA), on Sunday, launched a four-hour strike to boycott the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the proposed new judicial city at Amingaon.
“We are completely against shifting the High Court from its present location, which is the heart of the city. We have begun a hunger strike from 10 am to 2 pm. None of our members will attend the function,” GHCBA vice-president Santanu Borthakur said.
The Bar Association has opposed the relocation of the court complex from the outset, alleging that the government has taken a unilateral decision to go ahead with the construction of the new judicial infrastructure.
