Gangtok, Nov 19: The District and Sessions Court, Mangan, on Wednesday held the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony for new Staff Quarters at the District Courts Complex, a key step towards enhancing judicial infrastructure in North Sikkim.

Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim, Justice Biswanath Somadder, laid the foundation stone, accompanied by Madhumati Somadder. The Chief Justice was received with a guard of honour, followed by a floral welcome and lighting of the ceremonial lamp.

In his address, Justice Somadder highlighted the judiciary’s commitment to improving working conditions and strengthening justice delivery across the state. He acknowledged the important role of Group C and Group D staff and announced a policy to include staff quarters in all future district and sub-divisional judicial infrastructure projects. “Mangan has set a precedent, which will now be replicated across Sikkim,” he said.

District and Sessions Judge, Mangan, Subarna Rai, said Mangan is the first district in Sikkim to provide residential quarters for district judiciary staff. She expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice for endorsing the proposal and said the project would improve work-life balance and foster a sense of community among the staff.

Principal Chief Engineer, Buildings & Housing Department, YN Gautam, presented the technical details of the project, which includes two G+4 residential blocks for Grade C and Grade D staff, 20 units, 11 surface parking spaces, and a total built-up area of 25,705 sq. ft., located adjacent to the District Courts Complex.

The ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Civil Judge-cum-Judicial Magistrate, Chungthang, Sharmista Sigdel, followed by the National Anthem.

The event was attended by several dignitaries including the Registrar General, High Court of Sikkim, Central Project Coordinator, Registrar (Judicial Service), Secretary of Buildings & Housing Department, Chief Engineer, Chief Architect, District Collector, Superintendent of Police, members of the Bar Association of Mangan, and other officials.

The programme, conducted by Civil Judge-cum-Judicial Magistrate, Mangan, Essa Pradhan, marked a significant milestone in strengthening judicial infrastructure and supporting the efficient functioning of the justice system in North Sikkim.