CJ proposes scaling down HC complex; assures to look into HCBA appeals

Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court, Justice Ashutosh Kumar, during his visit to the Kohima Bench on Monday, suggested scaling down the new Kohima High Court complex citing financial constraints, even as he assured that the demands raised by the High Court Bar Association Nagaland (HCBA) would be taken into consideration.
Justice Kumar observed that though the new high court building was nearly 95% complete, the overall scale of the project was too big and required substantial expenditure. He clarified that he was not opposed to the construction as it would serve the state’s future requirements, but stressed the importance of being mindful of budgetary limitations.
Proposing that the project be completed in phases, he suggested reducing overall space and area to prioritize quality furnishing and finishing, which he termed the most crucial aspects of the building. He also pointed out that two planned courtrooms– each with a seating capacity of over 300– could remain at the far ends of the campus, while other parts of the design could be scaled down to manage costs.
During the interaction, HCBA led by its president, senior advocate C.T. Jamir, presented several appeals including appointment of more judges from Nagaland under Gauhati High Court and designation of additional Senior Advocates from the state.
Jamir highlighted that out of the sanctioned strength of 24 judges, 18 were from Assam, three from Mizoram, two from Arunachal Pradesh and only one– Justice Yarenjungla Longkumer—was from Nagaland. He stressed that many advocates and judicial officers from Nagaland were equally qualified to serve in higher judiciary.
He further pointed out that out of 264 advocates under HCBA, only three held the designation of Senior Advocate, though many more were deserving. He also reiterated the association’s long-standing demand for a separate High Court for Nagaland.
Responding to the appeals, Justice Kumar acknowledged the importance of Senior Advocate designations, stating that the process would be governed by Supreme Court laws and judgments. On the demand for a separate High Court, he clarified that the matter fell within the political domain and beyond his jurisdiction, but encouraged the HCBA to continue pursuing the issue through proper channels.
Justice Kumar was accompanied by Justices Devashish Baruah and Pranjal Das of Gauhati High Court.