Need to expedite the justice delivery mechanism: Assam CM 

Guwahati, Sep 10: Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma today attended as a Guest of Honour the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of the Bar Council of Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim at ITA Cultural Complex, Machkhowa here.

Addressing the distinguished gathering that included the Union Minister of Law & Justice Kiren Rijiju, Judges of the Supreme Court Surya Kant, Hrishikesh Roy, Sudhanshu Dhulia, the Chief Justice of Guwahati High Court RM Chhaya, the Chief Minister congratulated the Bar Council for having successfully completed 60 years of glorious existence. 

Dr Sarma spoke upon need to expedite the justice delivery mechanism. He said many people, despite being victim of circumstances, hesitate to seek legal help, as chasing justice often becomes an expensive affair, owing to the long process involved with it. “I call upon the office bearers of the Bar Council to find out as to how it can play its role to help the weak and under privileged,” he appealed.

The Chief Minister, speaking on the long and illustrious history of the country’s judicial system, lauded it for providing a robust foundation to the country’s democracy. Dr. Sarma also stated that judiciary has always played a key role in upholding the rule of law and maintaining the fine balance of power among the four pillars of our democracy. “This has ensured the fundamental rights and freedoms of the citizens of this country remained intact,” the Chief Minister added. 

Dr. Sarma also referred to the judiciary as the saviour of Indian democracy, stating that its landmark judgments on subjects such as “basic structure”, among others, saved the Constitution from losing its spirit. 

Dr. Sarma also heaped praises on the judiciary for protecting rights of Indian women, while at the same time upholding their dignity through landmark judgments on subjects like triple talaq, daughter’s right to property, etc. 

Speaking on the steps the government of Assam has taken in this direction, the Chief Minister stated that around 100 new positions would be created in lower judiciary. This, he said, would be a step towards faster dispensing of justice in the state. The Chief Minister also added that of the ₹9,000 crore approved by the Central government for improvement of judicial infrastructure, the judiciary in Assam would receive around Rs 300 crore as its share. In addition to that, the government of Assam would provide another Rs 300 crore in this regard. 

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Dr.  Sarma  attended the inaugural ceremony of the Guwahati High Court Museum, built at the old block of the Guwahati High Court premises.