Justice Biswanath Somadder, Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim, laid the foundation stone for the Sub-Divisional Court Complex at Yangang on Saturday.

Justices Meenakshi Madan Rai and Bhaskar Raj Pradhan of the High Court of Sikkim attended as guests of honour. The event was also attended by Justice S P Wangdi, former judge of the High Court and Chairperson of the Police Accountability Commission; Asha Gurung, PCE/Secretary of the Buildings and Housing Department; judges from Namchi and Pakyong District and Sessions Courts; members of the Bar Association of Sikkim; and officials from various departments, along with court staff.

During the ceremony, Chief Justice Somadder unveiled the foundation stone plaque and was briefed on the design and features of the proposed complex. The court complex will be built on 0.9 acre and will be a four-storey facility, including a courtroom with seating for 40, a judge’s chamber, litigants’ waiting area, staff rooms, record and malkhana rooms, prosecution offices, BAR room, library, and dedicated spaces for digitalization and e-Sewa services.

The building will feature separate entry points for judges, the public, accused persons, and vulnerable witnesses. Inclusive amenities will include toilets for persons with disabilities, gender-neutral and child-friendly toilets, a creche, and nursing pods, following Supreme Court guidelines. The complex will also have parking facilities and residential quarters for the Civil Judge/Judicial Magistrate, along with guest accommodation.

Asha Gurung presented technical reports on the building’s construction. The welcome address was delivered by Jagat Bahadur Rai, Judge of the District and Sessions Court, Namchi, while the vote of thanks was given by Jabyang Dorjee Sherpa, Senior Civil Judge-cum-Chief Judicial Magistrate, Namchi. The event concluded with the national anthem.