Awareness Meeting and Mass Signature Campaign Strengthen Demand for Permanent Gauhati High Court Bench in Barak Valley
Over 500 Citizens Sign in Support; MLA Rajdeep Goala Extends Full Backing to the Movement
Silchar, May 30: In a significant demonstration of public support for the establishment of a permanent Bench of the Gauhati High Court in Barak Valley, the High Court Bench Demand Implementation Committee, Cachar District Committee, organized an Awareness Meeting and Mass Signature Campaign on Saturday at the premises of Sri Sri Kachakanti Vidyamandir, Udharbond.
The programme witnessed the participation of a large number of lawyers, academicians, political leaders, social activists, students, and members of the general public, reflecting the growing momentum behind the long-standing demand.
The awareness meeting commenced at 1:00 PM and was attended by several distinguished personalities, including senior advocate Prasenjit Dev, Udharbond MLA Rajdeep Goala, advocate Shantanu Nayek, eminent educationist Bibhash Dev, advocate Dhruva Kumar Saha, advocate Dharmananda Dev, Director of Kachakanti Vidyamandir and noted educationist Harihar Chakraborty, educationist Sumitra Ghosh, educationist Kaunish Chakraborty, advocate Sumita Poddar, advocate Debomita Chakraborty, Tuhina Sharma, Tinku Baidya, Rasaraj Das, and many other prominent citizens.
The programme began with a welcome address by Harihar Chakraborty, Director of Kachakanti Vidyamandir, who emphasized the importance of ensuring accessible justice for the people of Barak Valley. He described the demand for a High Court Bench as timely, justified, and essential for safeguarding the constitutional right of citizens to access justice without unnecessary hardship.
The President of the High Court Bench Demand Implementation Committee, Cachar District Committee, subsequently explained the objectives of the movement. He stated that nearly four million residents of Barak Valley are compelled to travel hundreds of kilometres to Guwahati for matters relating to the High Court. Such journeys impose significant financial burdens and practical difficulties on litigants, often preventing economically weaker sections of society from effectively pursuing justice.
Addressing the gathering, Udharbond MLA Rajdeep Goala wholeheartedly supported the demand for the establishment of a permanent Bench of the Gauhati High Court in Barak Valley. He described the demand as legitimate, reasonable, and necessary in the interest of the people of the region. Assuring the organizers and the public of his complete cooperation, he stated that he would extend all possible assistance and support within his capacity to help realize this long-pending aspiration of the people of Barak Valley. He further expressed hope that the united efforts of civil society, legal professionals, educational institutions, and public representatives would ultimately lead to the fulfillment of this important demand.
One of the major highlights of the programme was a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation delivered by advocate Dharmananda Dev. Through historical documents, legal records, and constitutional references, he traced the evolution of the judicial system in the region. His presentation covered the establishment of the Fort William Court during the British period, the functioning of the High Court at Shillong, the subsequent establishment of the Gauhati High Court, and the overall development of the judicial system in Northeast India.
Advocate Dev emphasized that Barak Valley’s geographical location, large population, increasing volume of litigation, and the hardships faced by litigants collectively justify the establishment of a permanent High Court Bench in the region. He noted that several High Courts across India have established permanent and circuit benches to ensure greater accessibility to justice, whereas the long-standing and legitimate demand of Barak Valley remains unfulfilled despite decades of public representation.
Other speakers also expressed their strong support for the demand and urged the Government of India, the Government of Assam, and the concerned judicial authorities to take immediate and positive steps toward establishing the Bench. They emphasized that the issue is not political in nature but is fundamentally connected with ensuring equal and effective access to justice for the people of Barak Valley.
The proceedings were skillfully conducted by advocate Debomita Chakraborty. At the conclusion of the meeting, educationist Kaunish Chakraborty delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all guests, speakers, participants, and supporters for their presence and encouragement.
Following the awareness meeting, a Mass Signature Campaign was launched at 3:00 PM in the premises of Sri Sri Kachakanti Temple. The campaign received an overwhelming response from the public. Students, teachers, traders, professionals, government employees, women, youth, and senior citizens enthusiastically participated and signed in support of the demand for a permanent Gauhati High Court Bench in Barak Valley.
According to the organizers, more than five hundred people signed the memorandum during the campaign, demonstrating widespread public support for the movement and highlighting the growing desire among the people of the region for easier access to justice.
The organizers acknowledged the crucial role played by the conveners of the programme—Anshuman Dutta, Somnath Dev, Kaunish Chakraborty, and Harihar Chakraborty—whose dedication, planning, and tireless efforts contributed significantly to the success of both the awareness meeting and the signature campaign.
The High Court Bench Demand Implementation Committee announced that it would continue organizing awareness programmes across Barak Valley to strengthen public participation and build greater momentum for the movement. As part of this ongoing campaign, another important awareness meeting will be held on 6 June 2026 at 2:00 PM at the premises of Badarpur N.C. College.
The organizers have appealed to the people of Barak Valley to actively participate in the forthcoming programmes and contribute to the democratic movement aimed at securing a permanent Bench of the Gauhati High Court in the region. The committee leaders expressed confidence that with sustained public support, collective action, and unwavering determination, the long-cherished aspiration of the people of Barak Valley will ultimately become a reality.
