CJI Gavai Urges Speedy Justice And Cultural Safeguards At Itanagar High Court Inauguration

Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai on Sunday said that the judiciary, legislature, and executive are committed to serving the people and ensuring speedy justice at the least cost and effort.

Inaugurating the newly constructed Gauhati High Court, Itanagar Permanent Bench building, the CJI said he strongly advocates decentralisation so that justice reaches the doorsteps of the needy.

“The sole object of the judiciary, legislature, and executive is to serve the people. We all exist to give speedy and due justice,” CJI Gavai said.

He further praised successive Chief Justices of the Gauhati High Court for making justice more accessible.

The CJI noted that despite several crises in the 75 years after Independence, the nation has remained united and is progressing towards becoming a developed country. He highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s unity in diversity with 26 major tribes and over 100 sub-tribes.

Culture and Development Together

CJI Gavai said the government has taken full measures to preserve and promote the traditional culture of each tribe. He stressed that development and cultural preservation can progress together, strengthening the nation.

The Constitution, he said, envisages and emphasises preserving the culture of all communities.

He described himself as ‘mesmerised’ by the vibrant tribal culture of the Northeast. Recalling a recent visit to Manipur, he said a woman told him, “You are welcome to your home,” which reminded him that India is one and home to all Indians.

The CJI said the Northeast is a crucial part of India and enjoys constitutional provisions to safeguard tribal communities.

Referring to BR Ambedkar, he said Ambedkar always stood for India’s unity and declared, “India first and India last.” He called the Constitution the ‘great granth’ for every Indian and urged all to read it.

Justice Delivery Strengthened

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said the new Gauhati High Court Itanagar Permanent Bench building marks a major step in improving the state’s justice delivery system.

Until 2016, the state had only two courts; now it has 33 functional district and session courts. The Cabinet recently approved eight more courts and created 463 posts for the district judiciary.

Khandu said the foundation stone for the new building was laid on 12 August 2018. Covid-19 delays and relocation needs pushed formal construction to 3 September 2021. The 19,000-plus square metre facility was completed in under four years at nearly ₹250 crore.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju urged further strengthening of judicial infrastructure, especially in the lower judiciary. He said the Modi government has scrapped over 1,500 outdated British-era laws that created unnecessary problems for citizens and governments.

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