Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 8
Parliamentary Secretary for Law and Justice Yitachu today said that within this year Nagaland government intends to set up tribal courts which will serve as appellate customary courts and have original jurisdiction over inter village disputes as well as area and range disputes.
Setting up of such courts has been long overdue in spite of the provisions under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India guaranteed more than 40 years ago. One reason for this has been fund constraints. Nevertheless Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is determined to set up such customary courts “which are unique, quick in disposal of cases and generally keeps both disputing parties happy even after judgment has been given.”
Yitachu also said Government of India pilot project such as fast track courts Lok Adalat, alternative dispute resolution system and recent Gram Nayyalas are all based on principles and methodology adopted by customary practices of the Nagas in particular in north east region. Towards this end, the department of law and justice has written to all tribal Hohos in Nagaland for selection of permanent sites and providing land for construction of court buildings. The estimate for construction per court at today’s rate is set at Rs. 25 lakhs and overall total for 16 such tribal customary courts works out at Rs. 4 crores.
Yitachu further said the working modalities would be worked out later after all the tribal Hohos respond to the letter issued by department of law and justice. However, as of now, the individual tribal Hohos can serve as the jury.
