'Separation of judiciary from executive process put in place'

CM, Chief Justice jointly lay court building's foundation stone

From A Correspondent

SHILLONG, April 30: Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Mukul M Sangma and Chief Justice, Meghalaya, Justice Dinesh Maheshwari jointly laid the foundation stone for the permanent building of the Court of Judicial Magistrate at Amlarem, West Jaintia Hills district on Saturday in a function held at Amlarem.

Speaking to a gathering at Enowell Hall, Amlarem, Dr Sangma said that the responsibility of the government in separating the Judiciary from the Executive has been long awaited.

The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the Chief Justice and other Justices for creating an ebling environment for the government to put in place all the measures required for completing the exercise of separation of judiciary from the executive.

He also informed that this exercise has been completed in seven districts of the state and hoped to complete the same in all the remaining four districts at the earliest.

The Chief Minister also said that the commitment of the government in bringing about administrative reforms is one of the commitments of the political executive of the state and this agenda has received support from the High Court and the whole judiciary system.

He also said that the most vulnerable sections of the society need expeditious and effective justice delivery and having an inclusive, strong and vibrant judiciary system is very crucial for any civilized society.

Expressing concern over the incidents of crime in the state particularly the vulnerable sections of the society the Chief Minister said that fear of law and the presence of law enforcing agencies would help to create a strong deterrence to crime.

He also added that many perpetrators of crime become emboldened because people have not sought the help of Judiciary because of perceived high cost of litigation. He stated that people need to be assertive of their rights and hoped that with the separation of judiciary from the executive people will become self-regulating because of the presence and fear of the law.

Dr Sangma also said that the availability of members of the Bar across the state is still a challenge and urged the youth to look at Law as a professiol course.

During his speech, Chief Justice, of  the Meghalaya High Court, Dinesh Maheshwari said that laying of foundation stone for an important infrastructure marks yet another milestone in the reformation of system of justice in the state of Meghalaya.

Chief Justice Maheshwari also said the Law Department of the state and Registry of the High Court of Meghalaya are working in tandem with all cooperation and coordition to ensure a reasoble progression and strength in the entire Justice delivery system in Meghalaya.

The Chief Justice also informed that court buildings are coming up in almost all the districts and sub divisions keeping in mind the fundamental principle of access to Justice for all.

Earlier, the Chief Minister and Chief Justice with the other dignitaries present at the function unveiled the Commemorative Plaque and planted saplings at the site of the permanent building and quarters opposite to the Office of the SDO (C) in a land of 51.12 acres overlooking the Muktapur Road.