Meghalaya: Chief Justice lays base for Observation Home in West Garo Hills

TURA

Chief Justice, High Court of Meghalaya, Shillong Justice Biswanath Somadder laid the Foundation Stone for the Permanent Building of the Observation Home (Boys and Girls) today at Tebronggre under Rongram Block, West Garo Hills in the presence of James P K Sangma, Minister in-charge Law, Government of Meghalaya, Justice H S Thangkhiew, Judge cum Chairperson, Juvenile Justice Committee, High Court of Meghalaya, Shillong, E Kharumnuid, Registrar General, High Court of Meghalaya and other dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Justice, High Court of Meghalaya, Justice Biswanath Somadder said that this is a paradigm shift for children in conflict with law adding that earlier children were kept together with adult convicts, children cannot be treated as criminals, he said. For this reason, an observation home is required so that children can be kept in these homes for necessary guidance and counselling, he added. He expressed his satisfaction for the exquisite place and environment where they can closely associate with nature and render more services in the future.

Speaking on the occasion, Law Minister, James P K Sangma expressed his thankfulness to be part of the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Observation Home and said that the Observation Home is very important for the Judicial System and having a permanent building in West Garo Hills District is something to be proud of and he looks forward to setting up more observation homes in all the districts of Meghalaya, he added.

In his speech, Justice H S Thangkhiew, Judge cum Chairperson, Juvenile Justice Committee, High Court of Meghalaya said that the Observation Home is an absolute necessity and advised everyone to be more conscious on the rise of juvenile delinquency. This rehabilitation centre comes at the right time so that children who have gone astray would be taught, counselled, and become better citizens in the future.

Others who spoke on the occasion were Director, Social Welfare Department, Meghalaya Shillong D D Shira and District Social Welfare Officer, West Garo Hills, Tura Hemaritha Ch Sangma.