Sessions judge courts in hill districts
A dream fulfilled for CHT people
THE gazette notification introducing sessions judge courts in the three hill districts of Rangamati, Bandarban, Khagrachhari marks a momentous event in the chequered history of Chittagong hill tracts.
The President assenting to the proposal made by the government in a sequel to the Chief Advisor's pledge during his visit in March to Rangamati and Bandarban caused the orders to be passed on June 4.
The courts were to commence working from July 1.
It is a shame for successive governments to recall that three court buildings with very large premises were constructed in 1990 presumably to house the planned higher courts. For long 18 years since their erection those massive buildings stood neglected and uncared for. So much for our commitment to the welfare of the hill people!
It was a patent inadequacy of the justice system that it didn't extend to a particular region of the country. It also featured another facet of discrimination to the region. People of three hill districts were denied access to higher judicial service. There was magistracy alright, but the long-drawn absence of sessions courts led to all sorts of legal complications in administration of justice. The people had to rush to far away Chittagong Divisional Commissioner's Court to avail themselves of some higher form of service. In such a context, the seekers of justice were hard put to get it, what with the costs involved.
Now that the sessions court paraphernalia will be at the door steps of the people the demand for fair-play is being met as their long cherished dreams are going to be fulfilled.
Now the courts should operate in full swing and in a much transformed and congenial atmosphere in which the judiciary stands separated from the executive.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments