Silchar: The demand for a permanent bench of the Gauhati High Court in Barak Valley gained fresh momentum on Saturday as the High Court Bench Demand Implementation Committee, Cachar District Committee, organized an awareness meeting and mass signature campaign at Sri Sri Kachakanti Vidyamandir in Udharbond.

The programme drew a large gathering of lawyers, educationists, political leaders, students, social activists, and members of the public, reflecting growing support for the long-pending demand.

Among those present were Udharbond MLA Rajdeep Goala, senior advocate Prasenjit Dev, advocate Dhruva Kumar Saha, advocate Dharmananda Dev, advocate Shantanu Nayek, educationists Harihar Chakraborty, Bibhash Dev, Sumitra Ghosh, Kaunish Chakraborty, advocate Sumita Poddar, advocate Debomita Chakraborty, Tuhina Sharma, Tinku Baidya, Rasaraj Das, and several other prominent citizens.

The meeting began with a welcome address by Harihar Chakraborty, Director of Sri Sri Kachakanti Vidyamandir, who stressed the need for accessible justice for the people of Barak Valley. He described the establishment of a High Court bench in the region as a necessary step to ensure citizens can exercise their constitutional right to justice without undue hardship.

Committee leaders highlighted the challenges faced by nearly four million residents of Barak Valley, who must travel long distances to Guwahati for High Court-related matters.

They noted that the financial burden and logistical difficulties often prevent economically weaker litigants from pursuing legal remedies effectively.

Addressing the gathering, MLA Rajdeep Goala extended full support to the movement, describing the demand as legitimate and essential for the people of Barak Valley.

He assured the committee of his cooperation and pledged to extend all possible assistance within his capacity to help achieve the objective.

A major attraction of the programme was a detailed PowerPoint presentation by advocate Dharmananda Dev, who traced the history of the judicial system in the region.

Using historical documents and constitutional references, he outlined the evolution of the courts from the British era to the establishment of the Gauhati High Court and emphasized the need for a permanent bench in Barak Valley.

Speakers at the event argued that the region’s geographical location, growing population, increasing volume of litigation, and the hardships faced by litigants provide strong grounds for the establishment of a permanent High Court bench.

They urged the Government of India, the Government of Assam, and judicial authorities to take positive steps toward fulfilling the long-standing demand.

Following the awareness meeting, a mass signature campaign was launched at the premises of Sri Sri Kachakanti Temple. The campaign received an enthusiastic response from people across different sections of society, including students, teachers, traders, professionals, government employees, women, youth, and senior citizens.

According to the organizers, more than 500 people signed the memorandum in support of establishing a permanent Gauhati High Court bench in Barak Valley, demonstrating widespread public backing for the cause.

The committee credited the success of the programme to the efforts of conveners Anshuman Dutta, Somnath Dev, Kaunish Chakraborty, and Harihar Chakraborty.

The High Court Bench Demand Implementation Committee announced that similar awareness programmes would continue across Barak Valley. The next awareness meeting is scheduled to be held on June 6 at Badarpur N.C. College as part of the ongoing campaign to strengthen public support for the demand.

Committee leaders expressed confidence that sustained public participation and collective efforts would eventually help secure a permanent bench of the Gauhati High Court in Barak Valley.