Nipjyoti Kalita, Naharlagun, July 20: The Union Law Ministry has confirmed that there is currently no proposal to create separate High Courts for the states of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram pending with the Central government. Minister of State for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, made this statement in response to a parliamentary question posed by Senior Advocate and Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, P Wilson.
As of now, the Gauhati High Court serves as the common High Court for the states of Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram. However, the reply to the parliamentary question revealed that the Chief Minister of Nagaland had conveyed the State Cabinet’s decision to establish a distinct High Court for Nagaland on April 7, 2021. The proposal for setting up High Courts in the North Eastern Region, including Nagaland, requires an amendment to the North Eastern Area (Reorganization) Act, 1971, which falls under the administration of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Therefore, the matter has been forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs for consideration.
In contrast, there are no pending proposals for separate High Courts for Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. The Union Law Ministry clarified that the establishment of new High Courts in any state necessitates consultations with the respective State governments and the High Courts having territorial jurisdiction.
The reply also disclosed recent developments regarding the Gauhati High Court. The sanctioned strength of the court has been increased from 24 to 30 judges, and at least three judges from Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh have been appointed.
Wilson, in his parliamentary question, highlighted the need for independent High Courts for these states, citing concerns over the low manpower and high caseload faced by the Gauhati High Court.
While there is no current proposal for separate High Courts in Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, the issue of establishing independent High Courts in various states remains under consideration and requires a careful consultation process with relevant authorities.
