Assam Law Minister Susanta Borgohain revealed plans to set up Gauhati High Court benches in Dibrugarh and Barak Valley during an Assembly session. This move aims to enhance access to justice in Upper Assam and the southern part of the state, addressing a longstanding demand from the region.
The establishment of these benches is crucial for Barak Valley, which has sought a permanent High Court bench for years. Currently located far from Guwahati, litigants and lawyers face significant travel and cost burdens due to the absence of a local bench.
Additionally, the proposed bench in Dibrugarh will benefit residents of Upper Assam by providing judicial services closer to home and reducing reliance on the main Gauhati High Court in Guwahati. These initiatives are expected to streamline legal processes, cut down on travel time, and expedite case resolutions, ultimately bolstering the legal infrastructure in both areas.
Legal experts view this decentralization as a means to alleviate pressure on the Guwahati bench and ensure more efficient handling of cases from distant districts. The demand for a Barak Valley bench has garnered widespread support over the years, with various groups urging the government to establish a permanent judicial presence in the region.
While the Law Minister did not specify timelines or operational details for the new benches, the move is seen as a positive step towards enhancing judicial services in Assam. The Gauhati High Court, serving multiple northeastern states, currently operates from Guwahati, with permanent benches already functioning in some states.
