KOHIMA, MAY 21 (MExN): Terming the inauguration of the new High Court complex today at Meriema village as great history of the judicial system and a new chapter in the judicial era of Nagaland, Chief Justice of India K G Balakhrishnan today said that separation of judiciary from the executive will not affect the justice dispensation of the state through Naga customary law.
However, the Chief Justice said that separation of the two bodies is taking time because of the traditional system of administration.
Justice Balakhrishnan was appreciative of the Naga customary laws. He said that the Naga customary laws are very close to modern or even superior to modern laws as it is always acceptable to all parties when cases were settled, he maintained. That was why when British came to India, they found the Naga customary law more superior than their system of judiciary. Because of this Nehru the then Prime Minister of India introduced Article 371 (A) to protect the customary practices and culture of the Naga, Justice Balakhrishnan said.
The Chief Justice also said that it is high time that judiciary is separated from executive so that judiciary will do its job while the executive will concentrate on development.
The Chief Justice also said that Nagaland has a great potential for development with its rich natural resources and made emphasize adoption of sustainable development. However, he maintained that develop will take place only as and when proper rules of law is implemented and peaceful system is introduced.
“This court will help judicial system and proper rule of law”, said Justice Balakhrishnan, while referring to the newly inaugurated court complex.
He also revealed that all North east state will have separate high court, but said he did not know when this will come true. “This high court complex will change the entire face of Kohima town”, Balakhrishnan said.
With the inauguration of the new High Court Complex, people of Nagaland will not wait long time to settle any case and spend huge money as it is happening at present.
Justice Jasti Chelameswar, Chief Justice of Guwahati High Court, Justice HK Sema, Supreme Court judge also addressed the occasion. Parliamentary Secretary Law and Justice Yitachu delivered the welcome address, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu presented key note address.
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