Guwahati, 11 January (HS): Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that the grandeur and heritage of the existing court building no longer align with the requirements of a modern judicial system. He was addressing the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Integrated Judicial Court Complex at Rangmahal.

Calling the day historic for the people of Assam, the Chief Minister said the decision to construct a new court complex was taken after due consideration and expert consultation. He recalled that Justice Sandeep Mehta had suggested shifting the court complex to a different location, following which several alternative sites were examined.

“Out of six to seven locations shown, Justice Sandeep Mehta found the Rangmahal site to be the most suitable. Accordingly, we have decided to move forward with the construction of a modern, integrated judicial complex here,” the Chief Minister said.

Dr Sarma informed that 148 bighas of land have been acquired for the project and highlighted the cooperation of local residents, who handed over their land without objection. He said this reflected the deep respect people hold for the judiciary.

Sharing details of the proposed complex, the Chief Minister said the project will house 31 courtrooms and around 300 chambers for advocates, enabling nearly 2,000 lawyers to work from the premises. With its completion, Kamrup and Kamrup (Metro) districts will together have a total of 65 civil courts.

The complex will also include a large conference hall with a seating capacity of about 1,000 people. In addition, a four-lane approach road will be constructed to ensure smooth connectivity to the court campus.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash