Inauguration of the Court Building of District and Sessions Court, South West Khasi Hills District, Mawkyrwat

 

Mawkyrwat, September 09, 2021: Shri Biswanath Somadder, the Hon’ble Chief Justice, High Court of Meghalaya today inaugurated the permanent Court Building of the District and Sessions Court, South West Khasi Hills District, Mawkyrwat in the presence of Shri James P.K. Sangma, Hon’ble Law Minister, Government of Meghalaya, Shri Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar, PHE Minister and Local MLA, Hon’ble Mr. Justice R.V. More, Judge, High Court of Meghalaya, Hon’ble Mr. Justice H.S. Thangkhiew, Judge, High Court of Meghalaya, Hon’ble Mr. Justice W. Diengdoh, Judge, High Court of Meghalaya & Portfolio/Administrative Judge, South West Khasi Hills District.

Speaking on the occasion, the Hon’ble Chief Justice, High Court of Meghalaya, Shri Biswanath Somadder appreciated the concerted efforts of all those involved in completion of the infrastructure in record time and with the establishment of this institution he hoped it would provide the people of South West Khasi Hills easy access to justice citizens through procedure establish by law. He emphasized that law is for everyone and so is the concept of justice and one of the endeavors of the District Judiciary will be apart from having special court like child friendly courts which handles POCSO cases where children have to be taken extra care as their vulnerability were quite likely to be exposed during situations where they have to confront with situation which even adults don’t usually come across. He added that through District Legal Services it will bring access to justice at doorsteps of the marginalized section of the society access to justice is one of the primary motive of the Legal services movement throughout the country and this access to justice brings not only accessibility but introduces a sense of confidence of the marginalized section of the society. The objective of this court is not only for those who could afford but to provide quality justice irrespective of financial status of litigants and for those who stay in remote areas. He appreciated the judicial officers for their unceasing efforts in rendering justice as justice should not only be done but manifestly seen to be done. He thanked the state government for extending its support and cooperation at all stages in making the building a reality. He calls for support and cooperation from people who reside in the district with a hope that this institution will make them proud and without which democracy cannot exist. He ensured that this court will live up to their expectations and that the Rule of law is established by ensuring justice for all without fear or favor, affection or ill- will. He requested the judiciary officers not to let down the common man who in spite of odds has complete faith in this institution especially the marginalized section of the society who has nowhere to go or no one to fall back upon. He added that the Legal services authority of this state which functions from the District Legal Services Authority shall take all possible steps to ensure that quality justice reaches the doorstep of the common man and access to justice does not remain as a spoken phrase but a reality for all those in need of it. He extended his greetings and wishes to all the people of the district by adding that it is their responsibility to keep the honour of the institution and its flag flying high.

            While addressing the gathering Shri James P.K. Sangma, Hon’ble Law Minister, Government of Meghalaya said that the idea of judicial infrastructure cannot be one that is static rather it should respond and adapt to the changes in surrounding context, presence of professional and access of help plays pivotal role to approach the court. He added that we are indeed fortunate to have not just a beautiful building but a functional building and it will serve as a constant reminder to the people of the district that justice is just a stone stroke away. Further he said that the institutional structure in the dispensation of justice has the innate energy and the lifespan that can defeat the capture of history or time. He also said that it is befitting that in places like Mawkyrwat to talk about the idea of justice embedded into a philosophical tenets of Khasi people ‘kamai ia ka hok’. He stressed that the philosophy is talking about the idea of everyday life around justice, integrity, truth and righteousness and it part of the Khasi culture that every member in the family is taught in the family. He added that the fundamental concept of the importance of justice is ingrained in almost all the traditions of societies and cultures and we have so much to learn from traditions like the concept of ‘kamai ia ka hok’. He concluded saying that the presence of this court complex will bring relief to the litigants and justice will be nearer to the people of South West Khasi Hills.

            The other highlights of the event included the welcome song by the Office Staff, felicitation and presentation of bouquets, Welcome Address by Smt. B. Mawrie, District & Sessions Judge, South West Khasi Hills District, Mawkyrwat, Cultural Dance by Seng Khasi, Nonglang, song by Ionglajong Group and vote of thanks which was delivered by Smt. E. Shabong, Chief Judicial Magistrate cum Secretary District Legal Services Authority, South West Khasi Hills District, Mawkyrwat.