Soreng, Nov 17: The Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang, and Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim, Biswanath Somadder, jointly laid the foundation stone for a new District Court complex at the Civil Judge-cum-Judicial Magistrate Court premises in Soreng on Sunday.
The ceremony was attended by High Court Judge Bhaskar Raj Pradhan, Sikkim Legislative Assembly Speaker MN Sherpa, and Minister for Labour, Buildings and Housing Bhim Hang Limboo. The welcome address was delivered by District and Sessions Judge Dr. Jwala D. Thapa.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang called the occasion a significant milestone for Soreng district, highlighting that residents from remote areas would no longer have to travel long distances for justice. He expressed gratitude to Chief Justice Biswanath Somadder for his guidance in strengthening the judiciary and reiterated the government’s commitment to accessible justice for all.
Chief Justice Biswanath Somadder emphasised the importance of the three pillars of the Constitution and noted Sikkim’s leading position among India’s small states in justice delivery, as per the India Justice Report by Tata Trusts. He also highlighted the need to ensure that marginalised communities have equal access to justice.
A technical report on the new complex was presented by Principal Chief Engineer-cum-Secretary of the Buildings & Housing Department, Asha Gurung. The complex will be built on 2.6 acres with a total built-up area of 1,13,952 square feet, comprising the District Court building, an annexe block, the existing CJM court complex, proposed District & Sessions Judge’s bungalow, existing bungalows, and residential quarters for the Chief Judicial Magistrate and Judicial Magistrates.
The ceremony was also attended by MLA Madhumati Somadder (Soreng-Chakung), MLA Aditya Golay (Salghari-Zoom), former High Court judges A.P. Subba and Sonam Phintso Wangdi, members of the Bar Association, local panchayat representatives, officials, and students.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Senior Civil Judge Rohini Rai and the rendition of the National Anthem. The program was conducted by Civil Judge-cum-Judicial Magistrate Sayshay Hang Subba.
