Nagaland's separate High Court dream faces funding hurdles

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• He stressed that an additional INR 300 crore is needed to complete, furnish, and operationalise the court, including accommodation for staff and judges. Despite several representations to the Union Ministry and even meeting the Chief Justice of India, the Centre has yet to approve a separate High Court for Nagaland, he lamented.

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To demonstrate commitment, Rio noted that his government has already designated buildings for judicial use—including the former Chief Minister’s residence for the Chief Justice and renovated quarters for other judges—to allow a separate High Court to function even before the new complex is complete.

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• “But when the government of India thinks that it is not time for us to be given a separate High Court, it is very unfortunate. But we will continue to pursue until justice is done,” Rio said.
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• He also underscored that the state must do its part and perform well in terms of justice delivery.
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• Also speaking at the event, Justice Kakheto Sema of the Gauhati High Court described the tree plantation drive as a symbol of long-term vision and responsibility. “Even if we do not see the full fruits of our labour today, the trees and the institutions we build now will benefit generations to come,” he said.
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• Justice Sema expressed gratitude to CM Rio and Advisor TN Manen for their consistent support. He revealed that the state government has sanctioned more than INR 150 crore in the past two years for the High Court’s construction, showing its strong commitment to strengthening the justice system.
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• He also praised the recently held State Mega Legal Services Camp, which earned commendation from Supreme Court judges, including the Chief Justice of India. He lauded members of the Bar for defending the rights of the marginalised and upholding constitutional values.
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• Reiterating the demand for a separate High Court, Justice Sema said it was not merely about administrative convenience but about “constitutional dignity, regional identity, and equitable access to justice.”
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• Earlier, Senior Advocate CT Jamir, President of the HCBA, welcomed the gathering and noted that the association had conducted a similar tree plantation drive in 2023. This year, the HCBA procured around 1,000 saplings, including fruit-bearing and ornamental trees.
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• He stressed the urgency of shifting to the new High Court premises to ensure proper care for the plants and advance the cause of justice infrastructure in the state.
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• A speech was also delivered by TN Manen, Advisor for Law and Justice, who reaffirmed the state’s dedication to improving legal infrastructure and access to justice.