The Gauhati HC celebrated its Platinum Jubilee on April 5 on completion of its 75th year of existence. It was a 4-day long celebration which commenced on April 5, Wednesday and ended on April 8, Saturday. The celebrations were a host to many special dignitaries including President Draupadi Murmu, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, Chief Justice of Gauhati HC, the Chief Minister of Assam and many others.
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Jurisdiction of Gauhati HC
The Gauhati High Court (Gauhati HC) was established on August 14, 1948. It was earlier known as the High Court of Assam and had its first session at Shillong. Later, it was shifted to Guwahati.
Up until 1971, the court exercised jurisdiction over the entire North East area and when Assam was reorganised, the court was renamed as Gauhati High Court and held jurisdiction over 7 states.
However, it now exercises jurisdiction over 4 states namely, Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh after establishment of 3 full-fledged high courts for Imphal, Shillong and Agartala in 2013.
About the ceremony
It was a 4-day long celemony involving various activities.
On day 1, Wednesday, the celebrations were attended by the Chief Justice of Gauhati HC Sandeeep Mehta, Gauhati HC Judge Justice M.R. Pathal, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju and the Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The celebrations began with a bicycle rally, which was followed by a friendly match between the teams: Chief Justice XI and Chief Minister XI.
On Wednesday only, the Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma released an Assamese version of the book, “Gauhati High Court: History and Heritage” while the Union Law Minister released a commemorative stamp of the Gauhati High Court.
On day 2, Thursday, 6 books on Customary Laws of Rabha, Tiwa, Zeme-Naga and Bodos of Assam, Nyishis of Arunachal Pradesh and Halams of Tripura.
were released by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
President Droupadi Murmu attended the celebration on April 7
On Day 3, Friday, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu attended the celebrations. She launched a mobile app ‘Bhoroxa’. The app is made keeping in view the safety of women and elderly people. The app’s 181 helpline number for women seeking assistance is the key feature.
The President in her speech lauded Gauhati HC’s effort to uphold customary law and how it has always respected sentiments of the indigenous people, “ this institution has helped enhance the ethos of peaceful coexistence in this region.”.
The President acknowledged the diverse region administered by Gauhati HC and how the High Court has successfully achieved to satisfy issues that arise in such a culturally and linguistically diverse region.
At the end she addressed the need to expand the reach of free legal counselling and urged that lawyers must put efforts to be technologically equipped.
Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud also attended.
On April 7, Friday Hon’ble Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud (CJI) also attended the celebration.
The Chief Justice released two apps on the online e-sewa Kendra for Assam and integrated CIS and e-Pensions applications.
The CJI in his speech said that a human touch is essential to ensure that the interests of all are served by the law, that there should be respect and empathy to achieve equality and diversity.
The CJI in his speech said that law should be interpreted with such a sensibility to address the roots of the problem. He said that all the executive, legislature and the judiciary, which are the three hands of the state, are engaged in the common task of nation building.
The CJI adulated the President’s speech wherein she had urged that the judiciary should address the issue of access to justice for the vulnerable sections of the society. The CJI said, “Her words inspired the legal fraternity to widen the access to justice across the country.”
