Kohima: Union Minister of State for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, has committed to securing the necessary funds to complete the long-pending High Court Complex in Meriema, Kohima, Nagaland.
The project, which began in 2007, has only seen 60% completion and requires an additional Rs 379 crore to finish construction.
During a site visit on Wednesday, Meghwal, accompanied by state officials including Nagaland’s law and justice advisor TN Mannen, MLA Jwenga Seb, and members of the Kohima Bar Association, inspected the ongoing work and addressed the media on the project’s challenges.
He highlighted a productive meeting with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, focusing on financial support and legal infrastructure in the state. “It was a positive meeting, and I assured that a formal discussion with the secretaries of justice and expenditure will be convened during the upcoming winter session to expedite funding,” Meghwal stated.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed optimism on social media after the meeting, emphasizing the importance of completing the High Court Complex to enhance the state’s justice delivery system. He called for a favorable response from the Ministry of Law and Justice to resolve the long-standing financial issues.
The High Court Complex has faced delays primarily due to funding shortages. Of the total estimated cost of Rs 541.80 crore, only Rs 162.78 crore has been allocated by the state government, leaving a significant gap that has stymied progress despite repeated requests for assistance from the central government.
Originally laid by former Chief Justice of India, K.G. Balakrishnan, in 2007, the complex’s completion is seen as vital for improving access to justice in Nagaland.
In addition to the High Court project, Meghwal also discussed various developmental plans for Nagaland, including road improvements and the establishment of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) in Tseminyu.
He promised to increase housing allocations under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and indicated plans for a district court in Tseminyu to bolster the region’s judicial framework.
While acknowledging the issues surrounding the NH-29 highway, Meghwal hinted at the government’s commitment to address the infrastructure challenges faced by residents.
The completion of the High Court Complex is anticipated to significantly enhance judicial access for the people of Nagaland, marking a crucial step toward better governance and legal infrastructure in the region.
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