guwahati: In alignment with the State Government’s objective to develop a judicial system that is accessible, efficient, and reflective of contemporary standards, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma today inaugurated the newly constructed District Judicial Court Complex at Amingaon.
Notably, spanning an area of 10 bighas, the complex has been developed with provisions for 15 courtrooms to accommodate projected requirements over the next thirty years. The structure, built at a cost of Rs. 52.25 crore and encompassing 13,303 square metres, houses 14 courtrooms, alongside dedicated chambers for judges and stenographers, office spaces, the District Legal Services Authority office, a conference hall, and a video conferencing facility. Supplementary provisions include a digital library, an audio-visual room, an office for Legal Aid Defence Counsel, an e-Seva Kendra, a special witness room for sensitive testimonies, and dedicated lock-up facilities for men, women, and individuals of the third gender. The infrastructure also comprises a server room, an ICT facility, a bar room, and a canteen.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sarma remarked that courts serve as institutions central to public life, and that their effective operation is integral to the State’s responsibility towards its citizens. In a democracy, he observed, the judiciary not only adjudicates disputes but also sustains constitutional principles and individual liberties. Reflecting on the inauguration of the Kamrup District Court nearly a decade prior, he noted that the escalating volume of litigation and the growing number of litigants necessitated a new judicial complex - a need that has now been addressed. He expressed the view that the modern facilities housed in the new complex would contribute to a more expeditious judicial process and the timely delivery of justice.
The Chief Minister further observed that the efficiency of the judiciary is fundamental to the health of a democracy, asserting that the quicker justice is delivered, the more resilient the system becomes. Drawing attention to the current pendency of over five lakh cases in Assam, he highlighted the shortage of judicial infrastructure and personnel as contributing factors. He emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing this backlog. While acknowledging that the conviction rate in Assam stood at a mere 5% in 2021, he pointed to subsequent improvements in the registration, investigation, and trial of cases, resulting in a rise to 26%. Nevertheless, this figure remains significantly below the national average of 65%, thereby indicating the need for structural reforms.
Dr. Sarma noted that delays in adversely affect both the complainants and the wrongly accused, and appealed to members of the legal profession to support efforts aimed at expediting case resolution. He cited a 60% decline in crime registration over the past four years and the enactment of three new laws, expressing confidence that these developments would improve the efficacy of the justice system. He urged all participants in the legal process to embrace technological tools, including artificial intelligence, to enhance judicial productivity.
The Chief Minister stated that the State Government is actively working to appoint an adequate number of public prosecutors to strengthen the conviction process. In this regard, he appealed to the Gauhati High Court and the National Judicial Academy to extend training to new recruits, thereby assisting in the prompt disposal of cases. He reiterated the Government’s aspiration to raise Assam’s conviction rate to 65–70% within the next five years and invited cooperation from the judiciary and the legal community to achieve this target.
Additionally, Dr Sarma stated that construction of the new Gauhati High Court building is scheduled to commence within the year. He also mentioned that the bridge connecting Guwahati and North Guwahati is expected to open in the first half of the coming year. Once the new stadium at Amingaon is completed, it would provide parking facilities for approximately 5,000 vehicles, a measure that would benefit the legal community as well. In response to requests from members of the bar, he said that a bar library would be included in the new court complex, a press release said.
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