Honble Justice Songkhupchung Serto Judge of Gauhati High Court, Kohima bench and Honble Mr. Justice Kakheto Sema Judge of Gauhati High Court, Kohima bench laid the foundation stone of district court complex, Noklak on 28th May 2022 at Nyungkeng, Nokyan B.

Justice Songkhupchung Serto in his address stated that ‘for a society to stay happy and progress, it needs peace’. He elaborated that, there are many ways to maintain and achieve dignified living in a society where peace is paramount. Justice S. Serto mentioned that you may have wealth, and a good road but if there is no peace, one cannot enjoy life. Justice S. Serto sought cooperation from the people of the Noklak district, district administration, and the entire stakeholder for the successful construction of District court infrastructure and to enable the early establishment of the judiciary. Our customary laws are good and it is one of the sources of law. But custom and cultural changes, consequently, some customary laws may not be applicable with the changes of time. Therefore, we need to adapt to the changes. Time changes, society needs changes, and laws run after it. Further, Justice S.Serto wishes the people of Noklak peace and justice to prevail in the district.

Justice Kakheto Sema said, today, foundation stone laying is the first step for establishing the judiciary and now, Noklak has entered the judicial map of Nagaland. Justice Kakheto urged the people of Noklak to give full cooperation for the successful completion of construction and to establish a judicial court in the district. As long as Article 371 A of the Indian constitution exists, customary laws will continue which are used by the Village Councils, GBs, DBS, and elders of the villages and Towns. However, there are cases where Customary laws are limited and require the intervention of the Judicial.

Deputy Commissioner, Noklak Hiazu Meru, while appreciating the Judges of Gauhati High Court for laying the foundation stone for establishing the District court complex at Noklak, stated that with the beginning of the process of establishing a judicial court the District will be benefitted in many ways. DC mentioned that 28th May is a Red-letter day for the people of Noklak.

President Khiamniungan Tribal Council, M.Thangou expressed sincere appreciation to Justice Songkhupchung Serto and Justice Kakheto Sema for laying the foundation stone for District court complex at Noklak and assures that, the people will give full co-operation for the successful completion of construction to start judiciary.

Executive Secretary, Khiamniungan Baptist Churches Association, Hempao offered the dedicatory prayer of the District Court Complex and foundation stone. Principal District& Session Judge, Tuensang N. Longshithung Ezung was the moderator during the occasion while Secretary (Judicial) Department of Law & Justice, Government of Nagaland Nino Iralu shared the Vote of thanks.

Representative from High Court Bar Association, Kohima, Nagaland Bar Association, Administrative officials, HoDs and officials from different departments, tribal leaders, DBs, GBs etc attended the functions.

(K.K.Chim, IA Noklak)