Barak Valley Movement Gains Traction for Permanent High Court Bench

Imphal, India Jul 26, 2026 ALN: The movement seeking a permanent Bench of the Gauhati High Court in Barak Valley has entered a crucial stage following meetings with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Chief Justice of the High Court, the ‘High Court Bench Demand Implementation Committee’ has said.

Addressing a press conference at the committee’s office in Silchar, Cachar district president of the committee, advocate Dhruba Kumar Saha, stated that a delegation had met the Chief Minister and the Chief Justice on July 16 to present the decades-old demand.

“The demand, which was first raised in the 1970s, has now reached a crucial stage,” advocate Saha remarked. The call for a permanent Bench in Barak Valley is rooted in the historical and socio-economic context of the region, which has long been underserved in terms of judicial accessibility. The Barak Valley, comprising the districts of Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi, has a significant population that faces numerous challenges when accessing legal services, primarily due to the distance to Guwahati, where the Gauhati High Court is currently located.

According to advocate Saha, the Chief Minister informed the delegation that the State government has completed almost all necessary formalities, and that further progress will depend on the approval of the Chief Justice. The Chief Minister also tasked Borkhola MLA Kishor Nath with identifying a suitable plot of land for the proposed Bench, advocate Saha informed. This step indicates a level of governmental commitment to addressing the longstanding demand, highlighting the importance of regional representation in the judiciary.

The delegation subsequently held an interaction lasting about 80 minutes with the Chief Justice and submitted a detailed vision document outlining the history of the movement, the legal and administrative grounds for the demand, and the difficulties faced by litigants from the region. This document is expected to serve as a comprehensive reference for the administrative committee of the High Court, which will consider the proposal for the establishment of a permanent Bench.

Advocate Saha noted that the Chief Justice appreciated the initiative and assured the delegation that the proposal will be placed before the administrative committee of the High Court. This assurance is a significant milestone in the movement, as it reflects the judiciary's acknowledgment of the need for improved access to legal resources for the residents of Barak Valley.

The committee reiterated that its principal demand remains the establishment of a permanent Bench of the Gauhati High Court in Barak Valley. However, it expressed willingness to welcome the setting up of a circuit Bench as an interim arrangement, pending a decision on the permanent facility. This flexibility demonstrates the committee's commitment to finding a solution that addresses immediate needs while working towards a long-term goal.

Advocate Dharmananda Deb stated that the committee, constituted in January, has collected more than 15,000 signatures in support of the demand and prepared a comprehensive vision document. The collection of signatures underscores the widespread support for the movement among the local populace, indicating that the demand for a High Court Bench resonates deeply with the community. He added that the Dima Hasao district has also joined the campaign, widening the geographical scope of the movement beyond the three districts of Barak Valley, thus enhancing the collective voice advocating for judicial accessibility.

Advocate Deb mentioned that the proposed Bench will require at least 40 acres of land, along with adequate judicial, residential, and administrative infrastructure. The establishment of a permanent Bench would not only provide a local venue for legal proceedings but also necessitate the development of supporting infrastructure, which could lead to economic growth and job creation in the region.

Members of the committee reported that over 150 organizations, non-governmental organizations, and associations have extended support to the movement. This coalition of support reflects a broad consensus on the need for improved judicial access in Barak Valley, uniting various stakeholders including legal professionals, community leaders, and civil society organizations.

The committee's advocacy emphasizes that a permanent Bench in the region will alleviate the financial burden and logistical difficulties faced by litigants, lawyers, and their families, who currently have to travel to Guwahati for matters before the High Court. The distance to Guwahati not only incurs significant travel costs but also results in time lost, which can be particularly burdensome for those involved in lengthy legal processes.

The committee’s general secretary, Nikhil Paul, vice presidents Dr Bibhas Deb and advocate Santanu Naik, advocates Debomita Chakraborty and Tuhina Sharma, and committee member Jyotirmoy Nath were also present at the press conference. Their involvement highlights the collaborative effort within the legal fraternity to push for this critical demand, showcasing a unified front in advocating for the rights of the local population.

The movement for a permanent High Court Bench in Barak Valley is not merely a legal issue but also a matter of social justice, reflecting broader themes of equity and accessibility within the judicial system. As the demand continues to gain traction, it raises important questions about the distribution of judicial resources across different regions and the role of government in ensuring that all citizens have equal access to justice.

In conclusion, the ongoing efforts of the High Court Bench Demand Implementation Committee represent a significant grassroots initiative aimed at addressing a long-standing demand for improved judicial access in Barak Valley. The recent meetings with key governmental and judicial figures mark a pivotal moment in the movement, potentially paving the way for a permanent solution that could enhance the lives of many residents in the region. As the situation develops, it will be crucial to monitor the response from the judiciary and the state government, and the implications this movement may have on the future of legal accessibility in Assam and beyond.