The demand for a permanent bench of the Gauhati High Court in Barak Valley has gained fresh momentum after intellectuals, academicians, lawyers, and social activists at a meeting in Haflong unanimously extended support to the movement and sought inclusion of Dima Hasao district under its jurisdiction.
The Intellectual Meet, organised by the Haflong District Bar Association on Sunday, featured detailed deliberations on the long-standing issue of judicial accessibility for residents of Barak Valley and the hill districts.
Speakers said geographical distance, financial constraints, and travel hardships have long deprived people of easy access to justice. They stressed that establishing a permanent bench in Barak Valley was an urgent and legitimate demand to ensure affordable and accessible justice delivery.
Participants observed that the bench would significantly reduce the time, cost, and difficulties faced by litigants while strengthening public confidence in the judicial system. They termed the demand essential for safeguarding the constitutional rights of people living in Barak Valley and adjoining hill districts.
Among those present were Haflong Government College principal Sarbojit Thaosen, retired professor Renu Mahajan, retired judge Alen Jeme, and representatives of the NC Hills Autonomous Council. In their addresses, they highlighted the significance of the movement and called for united efforts in the larger interest of the region.
A delegation of advocates from Silchar, including Dhruva Kumar Saha, Prasenjit Deb, Shantanu Nayek, Dharmananda Deb, Debomita Chakraborty, Tuhina Sharma, Jyotirmoy Nath, Soumitra Dutta Roy, and Madhumita Dhar Sarkar, also attended the programme.
The lawyers said the movement was not merely an administrative demand but a struggle to secure the people's right to accessible justice. They reflected on what they described as the long history of judicial deprivation faced by Barak Valley residents.
The meeting unanimously resolved to intensify democratic movements, public awareness campaigns, and collective initiatives in support of the demand for a permanent bench of the Gauhati High Court in Barak Valley. Participants appealed to all sections of society to join the cause.
