Meghalaya Breaks Ground on Modern Shillong Court Complex

Shillong: Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere broke ground on a new District and Sessions Court Complex at Umsawli in New Shillong Township on June 30. The current Shillong facility has served the city for over a hundred years. It is now too small for the heavy caseloads burdening judges and lawyers. The Chief Justice argued that modern infrastructure is now a requirement rather than a perk.

The facility will integrate tech to speed up case disposal. New plans include video recording for evidence, e-filing systems, and designated rooms for witness depositions. Justice Dere stated, "The new court complex will ensure greater dignity for litigants, improve access to justice, facilitate the use of technology for faster disposal of cases and provide additional courtrooms to reduce delays."

Designers built the site to meet the standards of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023. Officials aim to prioritize accessibility for everyday citizens. Law Minister Lahkmen Rymbui attended the event and backed the project. He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the need for better technology in state courts. The government now plans to keep pushing for modern upgrades across the region.