New court building inaugurated in Barpeta
A CORRESPONDENT
BARPETA: "Cases involving imprisonment of less than three years, which were brought before the courts by the government, will be withdrawn at the earliest. This will pave the way for the immediate withdrawal of 86,000 cases," Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Friday to disclose a litigation policy of the state government.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new building of the District and Sessions Judge's Court in Barpeta, which he inaugurated along with Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, Justice RM Chhaya, Sarma said that the number of cases in the courts has increased due to lack of tolerance in the society. "People come to court with small things", he said, and added that this is not a good sign.
Sarma appealed to the residents of the district to opt for out-of-court, traditional system of solving disputes through mediation by family elders etc., in matters of less serious nature, so that the formal judicial system can dedicate its workforce and time to issues of a serious nature such as murder, rape, etc. He stated that due to issues and cases of less serious nature burdening the judiciary, justice for victims of heinous crimes are getting delayed.
During the course of his speech, the Chief Minister described India as the mother of democracy and the judicial system. Referring to ancient religious and secular scriptures, the Chief Minister further spoke about the need for all to work towards achieving a society that is just, lawful and humane. Sarma said that ancient Indian society administered itself on the bedrock of 'Dharma' which, he said, was simply the rules and regulations that were being followed by human beings from birth till the last breath. 'Dharma' held all elements of the society together, the Chief Minister added.
The Chief Minister also lauded Chief Justice RM Chhaya for playing a prominent role in formulating the 'Vidya Rath - Schools on Wheels' project that was launched on August 15 last. Aimed at imparting education to those children hitherto excluded from the formal education system, the Chief Minister stated that this social-impact project would make a huge impact on the lives and future of children belonging to underprivileged social strata.
The Chief Minister further announced that the state government would provide Rs 300 crore in the next three years to improve the infrastructure of the judicial system in Assam.
Responding to a long-standing demand of the Barpeta Bar Council, the Chief Minister stated that three kathas of land will be allocated to the association by the government of Assam. Necessary instructions for this would be issued to the Barpeta Deputy Commissioner, the Chief Minister added.
Meanwhile, speaking at the inaugural function, Chief Justice RM Chhaya expressed the hope that the judicial system in Barpeta would now become more dynamic.
It may be mentioned that the three-storey new building has been built at a cost of around Rs 65 crore.
Justice N Koteshwar Singh, in-charge of the Administrative Department of Gauhati High Court, Justice Ajit Borthakur, in-charge of Barpeta district, Justice Sanjay Medhi, Assam's Law Minister Ranjit Dass, Deputy Commissioner of Barpeta district Ayush Garg and others attended the inauguration ceremony as special guests.
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