Nagaland Bar Association renews demand for a separate High Court, citing delays, poor infrastructure and the need for urgent government action.
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DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Bar Association (NBA) has renewed its demand for a separate High Court for Nagaland, stating that the issue should not be linked to ongoing political discussions and must be pursued without delay.
In a representation submitted to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who also holds the Law and Justice portfolio, the association stated that a separate High Court is “absolutely essential” and should be pursued without delay, even as more than six decades have passed since Nagaland attained statehood on December 1, 1963.
The NBA reiterated its demands following its Annual General Meeting held on March 27, 2026, where it resolved to reaffirm its position on the establishment of a separate High Court and the appointment of an Advocate General from within the state’s legal fraternity.
Stating that political discussions should not delay the establishment of a separate High Court, it pointed out that several northeastern states formed after Nagaland already have their own High Courts, while Nagaland continues to function without one.
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The association also expressed concern over the delay in completing the new High Court premises at Meriema, stating that the construction of the High Court and the setting up of judicial infrastructure are the responsibility of the state government. It stated that the honour and prestige of the state are at stake, and that all three organs—the legislature, the judiciary and the executive—must have adequate infrastructure. The present circumstances, it added, “paint a dismal picture of our collective psyche.”
On the issue of legal representation, the NBA said there is no valid reason for not appointing an Advocate General from among legal practitioners in the state, adding that the Nagaland Bar has produced competent members of the legal fraternity since its establishment in 1969.
Calling for immediate action, the association urged the government to pursue the establishment of a separate High Court with the Centre, ensure adequate funding for completion of the Meriema High Court complex, and appoint an Advocate General from among local practitioners.