Indian National Congress (INC) leader S Supongmeren Jamir has expressed deep concern over the long-standing delay in the establishment of a separate High Court for Nagaland, calling it an issue of justice and constitutional rights. Despite being one of the oldest states in the Northeast, Nagaland continues to function under the jurisdiction of the Gauhati High Court, while other northeastern states such as Tripura, Meghalaya, and Manipur were granted their own High Courts in 2013.
Jamir emphasized that the demand for a Nagaland High Court aligns with Article 214 of the Indian Constitution and provisions under the State of Nagaland Act, 1962. He pointed out that the required infrastructure for the High Court has already been built at Meriema, including seven courtrooms, separate residential bungalows for judges, and other necessary facilities. The Congress leader also criticized the delay in amending the North-Eastern Areas (Re-organization) Act, 1971, which is crucial for the creation of a separate High Court. He stated that despite multiple appeals and official requests from the Nagaland government to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Law and Justice, no concrete action has been taken.
Jamir urged the central government to expedite the legislative process and ensure that Nagaland’s long-pending demand is met. He stressed that denying the state its own judicial institution goes against the principles of justice and fair governance.“The people of Nagaland should not be deprived of their rightful judicial institution any longer,” Jamir asserted, calling for immediate intervention to resolve the matter.
