Meghalaya High Court Chief Justice, Biswanath Somadder has said that his office would ensure Legal Service Authority’s legal aid team would reach every district in the State.
The Chief Justice who inaugurated the court building of the Sub-Divisional Court in Amlarem on Saturday spoke at length on the Alternative Dispute Redressal (ADR) system and said that Meghalaya State Legal Service Authority provides an effective alternative dispute resolution mechanism.
He said that the Legal Services Authority provides legal aid free to women and all those in need especially to the marginalized sections of the society that are unable to afford legal representation and access to court system.
“Each district has a Legal Service Authority and as days to come as the Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court, my focus would be to ensure penetration by the Legal Service Authority’s legal aid team into the most marginalized section of the population so that they don’t feel deprived and they are taken care of by the great institution of our country which is known as the judiciary”, he said.
The Chief Justice also said that the newly inaugurated court building will enable the judiciary to better serve the people. He also emphasised on the need for active support and role from the government in providing better infrastructure which will pave the way for people to access a more effective Justice system.
Law Minister, James PK Sangma termed the inauguration of the Building as a ‘red letter’ day for the people of Amlarem and said the new building would allow streamlining of judiciary functions, which will further strengthen the accountability and justice systems in Amlarem Civil Sub-division.
He also said that efficiency of such institutions will allow the government to be even more productive and accountable towards the people and solidify the tenets of good governance in the State.
James also reiterated the government’s continued support to the judiciary, in terms of support that is required in furtherance of building up of infrastructure.
Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, hoped that the presence of the new infrastructure in the Sub-Division will help in the delivery of a speedy Justice system to the people of Amlarem.
Other dignitaries present at the inauguration were Judges of the High Court of Meghalaya, R.V. More, H.S. Thangkhiew, W. Diengdoh and other senior court and government officials.
