Guwahati: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Inaugurates CAT Court-cum-Office Complex

STAFF REPORTER

Guwahati: In a landmark moment for administrative justice in the Northeast, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for the PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh today inaugurated the newly constructed Court-cum-Office Complex of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in Guwahati.

Describing the development as a symbol of the Northeast’s remarkable transformation under the Modi government, Dr. Singh noted that the Guwahati bench of CAT—one of the oldest in the country—now has its own dedicated infrastructure nearly four decades after its inception in 1985.

Addressing a gathering of dignitaries, including Assam Cabinet Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass, CAT Chairman Justice R.K. Morey, senior judges, and members of the legal fraternity, Dr. Singh emphasized the tangible improvements in the region since 2014. “What we see today is not just a building, but a testimony to the government’s resolve to deliver efficient governance and accessible justice across the country,” he said.

Dr. Singh highlighted CAT’s evolution, stating that while it was established to provide time-bound justice for government employees, its functioning was long hampered by backlogs and inadequate infrastructure. “For years, the Guwahati bench operated from rented premises. It is only after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention that this dream could materialize,” he said. He cited key figures to showcase progress: of the 8.88 lakh cases disposed of by CAT since 1985, over 2.54 lakh were cleared in the last ten years alone, accounting for nearly one-third of the total.

The new Guwahati complex is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including earthquake-resistant construction, CCTV surveillance, and amenities for differently-abled persons. Dr. Singh applauded the Assam government for its prompt land allotment and support, enabling the building’s completion within a remarkable three-year timeframe.

 He also underscored the role of technology in judicial reform, noting that features like e-filing, video conferencing, digital records, and online payment systems ensured CAT’s uninterrupted functioning even during the COVID-19 lockdown. He recalled how newly created benches in Jammu and Srinagar.

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