HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, April 7: Attending the Platinum Jubilee celebration of the Gauhati High Court on Friday, President Droupadi Murmu launched a mobile app ‘Bhoroxa’, which is primarily made for the safety of women and elderly people.
Addressing the gathering, the President said, “The Gauhati High Court holds a unique place in India’s judicial landscape. After its inception in 1948, it had jurisdiction over seven states for more than six decades and still has jurisdiction over four states. It has established a distinct identity for itself by producing a number of legal luminaries. It has also received attention for delivering several landmark decisions.”
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The President further said that the North-Eastern Region is possibly the best example of how various communities have lived together historically. As a result, it has rich ethnic and linguistic diversity. In such a region, institutions need to have a great deal of sensitivity and responsibility, as divergent traditions and laws govern the lives of the people of the region. The legislation applicable to different areas may vary, but the entire area is administered by a common High Court. She said that it is heartening to see that the Gauhati High Court continues to uphold the customary laws that have been in practice in some of the states under its jurisdiction. By respecting the sentiments of the indigenous people, this institution has helped enhance the ethos of peaceful coexistence in this region.
State chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also appreciated the role played by the Gauhati High Court as a true guardian of human rights, protector of the constitution, and promoter of our age-old democratic ethos. He said this apex court has been a major catalyst in empowering the citizens of the region to be well-informed about their rights. He also lauded its contribution to creating a pedigree of legal luminaries and for its unique distinction as an institution of superior standards and lofty ideals.
Stating that India has a glorious legal tradition, the chief minister said, “The Gauhati High Court has, time and again, stood with the common people in their testing times and played out its role as their saviour. He further said that Gauhati High Court has a unique identity for being the common High Court for all the seven states of the northeast for a longer span of its existence. He said that this Court has been dealing with the fascinating task of interpreting enacted laws as well as tribal laws and customs and has judicial authority on subjects falling under the 6th schedule of the Constitution of India, which is unique to this region only.”
He further said that this institution inspires enormous trust and confidence among the people.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for facilitating ‘ease of justice’, the chief minister informed that the government of Assam has taken a decision for withdrawal of petty offense cases to bring down the pendency of cases. Cases punishable up to 3 years with or without fine and registered were taken into consideration for withdrawal barring the cases of heinous nature, he said adding that till February this year around 27 thousand, such cases have been withdrawn and it is estimated that through this action around one lakh criminal cases will be disposed of which will reduce the burden in lower courts.
Appreciating the rapid adoption of digital technologies by the judiciary in the country during the Covid pandemic, which is now becoming a regular practice, the chief minister said that the Government of Assam is ready to extend all kinds of support required for its smooth implementation of digitization initiatives in the state judiciary.
He expressed commitment to creating as many posts as required in the lower judiciary with adequate infrastructure. He also informed that the state government has decided to create a new campus of Gauhati High Court, work for which will start this year, and sought support from the union law minister in this endeavour.
Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria also attended the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of Gauhati High in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu and chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Speaking on the occasion the Governor said, “Judiciary is considered as one of the most important pillars of any democracy. It is the judiciary that finally interprets the Constitution and its provisions. As the custodian and upholder of rule of law, defender of justice, and enforcer of right and liberty – the role of the judiciary is immense.”
The Governor also said that the Gauhati High Court as a custodian of law and defender of justice has been advocating justice for the last 75 years of its glorious existence. It has given 75 years of tireless service towards justice and the protection of the Indian Constitution. The legacy of the GHC is a remarkable testament to its unwavering commitment to fairness and equality. “I hope that GHC’s efforts to serve society and dispense justice continue to set an exemplary standard for all to follow”, the Governor added.
Kataria also said that the vibrance and weakness of the Indian Judicial system, its usefulness, and its credibility as an important pillar of democracy, the respect it commands, and the confidence it inspires – are dependent upon the way it fulfills the hopes and aspirations of the common people. He in this context hailed the 75 years of services of the Gauhati High Court and said that this important institution is also responsible for the growth of the state.
The platinum jubilee celebration of Gauhati High Court was also attended by Chief Justice of India Justice DY Chandrachud, Union law and justice minister Kiren Rijiju, Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court Justice Sandeep Mehta, Judges of Supreme Court of India, Chief Justice of JnK and Ladakh High Court Justice N Kotiswar Singh, chief justice of Telengana High Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, Judge of Gauhati High Court Justice Lansungkum Jamir, minister of law of Assam Government Ranjit Kumar Dass, present and former Judges, lawyers, staff of Gauhati High Court, senior government officials and other dignitaries was present on the occasion.
