Nagaland CM Dr Neiphiu Rio, Justice Kakheto Sema, Judge, Gauhati High Court and others at the plantation programme organised by High Court Bar Association Kohima at New High Court Complex, Meriema. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 17
Nagaland’s Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio today said that the state government has been pursuing to complete the new High Court complex Meriema, near Kohima.
Rio said that Nagaland was unfortunate because states like Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura and Manipur got 100% funding from Government of India for construction of High Court but in case of Nagaland, it have not receive any grant from GoI for construction of new High Court complex.
He said that over Rs 200 crores have been spent so far for construction of the new High Court Complex.
To complete and make it functional with staff quarters, the state will be requiring about Rs 300 crore more, Dr Rio said while addressing tree plantation programme, organised by High Court Bar Association (HCBA) Kohima at New High Court Complex, Meriema, Kohima.
To have a separate High Court, Rio said that he had earlier approached the Ministry of Home Affairs, requesting them to move in the parliament for amendment.
Stating that the state would continue to pursue until justice is done for separate High Court, Dr Rio, however said “but we have to do on our part and do well as far as the justice deliverance is concern.”
Meanwhile, Dr Rio was optimistic that the new High Court complex site will become a place of a blessing for everybody who are looking for justice, “so that humanity and society can live in harmony.”
‘Nagaland deserves a judicial institution of its own’
In his address, Justice Kakheto Sema, Judge, Gauhati High Court said “In planting trees, we are thinking beyond ourselves, we are building for posterity, for generations yet to come.”
May the seeds we plant today-both literal and institutional - grow deep roots, and may they stand strong for generations to come, he said.
He thanked Nagaland’s Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio and Law & Justice Advisor TN Mannen for their steadfast support to the judiciary.
He said that under the leadership and personal commitment of the Chief Minister, the State Government has, over the past two years, sanctioned more than Rs 150 crores for the construction of the new High Court building.
“This significant investment is a reflection of the Government's continued commitment to strengthening the justice delivery system in our state, and we are truly thankful for their cooperation,” he said.
He also acknowledged the support extended by State Government towards the resounding success of the recently concluded State Mega Legal Services Camp.
He acknowledged the members of the Bar, whose role remains vital to the functioning of the justice system.
“Advocates do more than argue cases - they stand at the very frontlines of justice. In defending the rights of the weak, upholding the Constitution, and holding the system accountable, they carry out a responsibility that is not only professional, but deeply moral,” he said.
In many ways, they have a divine calling -ensuring that justice reaches every home and every heart, he said adding “As we move forward, these collective efforts reaffirm the long -standing and rightful aspiration of the people of Nagaland for the establishment of a separate High Court.”
This is not merely an administrative convenience; it is a matter of constitutional dignity, regional identity, and equal access to justice, he said.
A separate High Court will not only strengthen the legal infrastructure of the state, but also ensure that justice is dispensed with greater efficiency, sensitivity, and proximity to the people, he said adding that “It is a vision, we must continue to work towards with unity, purpose, and the unwavering belief that Nagaland deserves a judicial institution of its own, worthy of its people and its future.”
Nagaland’s Law & Justice advisor TN Mannen and Senior Advocate CT Jamir, president HCBA also spoke at the programme. The programme was chaired by HCBA secretary Joshua Sheqi.
