Legal fraternity in Sonamura protests relocation of Sepahijala district court to Bishramganj, raising concerns over justice delivery, litigant inconvenience, and administrative impact. Lawyers seek intervention from Chief Minister Manik Saha amid growing dissatisfaction.
The legal fraternity in Sonamura subdivision has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the state government’s decision to relocate the Sepahijala district court from Sonamura to Bishramganj. Advocates, litigants, and residents have voiced concern that the move could significantly disrupt the justice delivery mechanism in the district.
The controversy centers on the shifting of not only the District and Sessions Judge’s court but also the court of the Additional District and Sessions Judge, which has been functioning in Sonamura since 2001. Members of the Sonamura Bar Association argue that the relocation will adversely affect thousands of litigants who depend on the subdivision’s judicial infrastructure.
Background of the Court’s Establishment
The court of the Additional District and Sessions Judge was established in Sonamura in 2001 following approval from the Gauhati High Court based on the recommendation of the state government. The decision was taken considering the growing population of the subdivision and the rising number of cases originating from four police station areas under Sonamura.
Before the establishment of the court in Sonamura, litigants were compelled to travel to Agartala for hearings, leading to delays and additional expenses. The introduction of the higher court in the subdivision was widely welcomed at the time as a measure to reduce judicial backlog and improve access to justice.
A newly expanded court building for the Additional District and Sessions Judge was inaugurated on August 6, 2014, in the presence of then Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court Deepak Gupta and former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar. Officials had assured at the time that the upgraded infrastructure would continue to serve the subdivision effectively even after the proposed development of a district headquarters at Bishramganj.
Administrative Plan and Relocation Decision
Bishramganj has been developed as the headquarters of Sepahijala district, with a permanent court complex constructed as part of an integrated administrative plan. According to district administration sources, several new office complexes housing civil and police administrative headquarters have already been built in the area.
In 2018, the District and Sessions Judge’s court of Sepahijala district began functioning temporarily from the Sonamura court complex pending the completion of the permanent facility in Bishramganj. The temporary arrangement was inaugurated on July 26, 2018, in the presence of then Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and then Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court Ajay Rastogi.
With the completion of the permanent complex in Bishramganj, authorities have reportedly decided to shift the district court operations permanently. However, reports indicating that only a Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate’s court and a few lower courts may continue to function in Sonamura have intensified anxiety among legal professionals.
Concerns Over Access to Justice
Members of the Sonamura Bar Association argue that the absence of a higher court in the subdivision would force litigants, especially those from remote and rural areas, to travel frequently to Bishramganj. Lawyers fear that this could lead to increased financial burden, logistical challenges, and delays in case proceedings.
Advocates have already approached various authorities seeking restoration of the Additional District and Sessions Judge’s court in Sonamura. However, they claim that no concrete assurance has been provided so far. Efforts are also underway to secure an appointment with Chief Minister Manik Saha to present their concerns formally.
Legal experts warn that relocating established courts without adequate transitional arrangements could disrupt ongoing cases and inconvenience litigants who have long relied on Sonamura’s judicial infrastructure. While some sections of the public have expressed mixed reactions, the dominant sentiment within the legal fraternity remains one of disappointment and apprehension.
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As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are urging the government to reconsider the decision or implement measures that ensure equitable access to justice for residents of Sonamura subdivision. The coming weeks are likely to determine whether dialogue between the bar association and the state administration can lead to a resolution that balances administrative planning with public convenience.
