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.