Social activist Cherian G Momin has written to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma with a proposal to set up a circuit bench of the Meghalaya High Court in Tura.
Garo Hills and its population is “currently underserved in terms of access to justice,” Momin said and the absence of a circuit bench “poses numerous challenges and hampers the efficient delivery of justice to the people residing in these areas.”
The High Court is based in Shillong, which is several hours’ journey by road. Having to travel to the state capital for legal reasons incurs “significant financial and logistical burdens”.
In addition, a circuit bench would ease the workload on the court in Shillong, thus expediting the delivery of justice, Momin said.
Other benefits, according to him, would be for “regional balance and equitable development”, as a catalyst for economic growth, attracting legal professionals and creating employment opportunities, fostering a sense of trust and confidence in the general public, etc.
