Urges separate High Court, complete Meriema project, appoint local AG
Kohima, May 5 (MExN): The Nagaland Bar Association (NBA) has submitted a representation to the Chief Minister and Minister-in-Charge of Law and Justice, Dr Neiphiu Rio, urging the State Government to take immediate steps to establish a separate High Court for Nagaland, complete construction of the new High Court premises at Meriema and appoint an Advocate General from among the State's own legal practitioners.
The representation, signed by NBA President A Zhimomi and Secretary S Keyho, was submitted pursuant to resolutions adopted at the Bar’s Annual General Meeting held on March 27, 2026.
Separate High Court
More than six decades after Nagaland attained statehood on December 1, 1963, the State is yet to have its own High Court. The NBA emphasised that the establishment of a separate High Court for the State of Nagaland should not be linked to the ongoing political discussions.
A separate High Court for the State of Nagaland is absolutely essential and the same is required “sooner rather than later,” the representation stated, adding “Political discussions should not be the reason for delay in setting up a separate High Court for the State.”
It noted that several states in the North East that came into existence after Nagaland have already been granted their own High Courts.
Incomplete construction of new High Court premises
The NBA also raised concern that construction of the new High Court premises at Meriema remains incomplete, calling on the state to do “more, to set up befitting and adequate judicial infrastructure in the State.”
“The honour and prestige of the State is at stake. All its three organs namely viz., the Legislature, the Judiciary and the Executive must have adequate infrastructure,” the representation stated. “The present circumstances paints a dismal picture of our collective psyche,” it added.
Advocate General from within the State
The Bar further pressed the state government to appoint the Advocate General from among members of Nagaland’s own legal fraternity, pointing out that the Nagaland Bar Association has been in existence since the inception of statehood and was formally constituted in 1969.
“The Bar in Nagaland is not a lesser Bar. It has produced eminent personages in the legal fraternity. Therefore, there is no valid reason for the State, not to appoint the Advocate General, from amongst the legal fraternity in the State,” the NBA said.
Three-point demand
The NBA’s representation included three specific prayers to the government: pursue the establishment of a separate High Court for the State of Nagaland. In this regard, persuade the Central Government to remove the roadblocks hindering the same; Provide adequate funds for the construction of the new High Court premises, so that the same can be completed without further delay; Appoint the Advocate General from amongst the members of the Legal fraternity in the State.
“We trust that the sentiments of the Bar expressed in this representation will be appreciated in their proper perspective. We pray for prompt and appropriate responses,” the Association added.
