Inauguration Of Additional District & Sessions Judge Circuit Court At Serchhip By The Chief Minister

Serchhip, Sept 2025: Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma today inaugurated the Additional District & Sessions Judge Circuit Court at Serchhip District Court. The new Circuit Court will enable hearings by the Additional District & Sessions Judge assigned to Serchhip, bringing higher judicial services closer to the district.

In his address, the Chief Minister emphasised that the Circuit Court will play a vital role in improving judicial accessibility, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring specialised justice, especially in sensitive cases. He noted that the court will be particularly important in handling cases under the NDPS Act and POCSO Act.

Highlighting Mizoram’s continuing struggle against drug trafficking through its porous borders, the Chief Minister pointed out that narcotics-related cases remain alarmingly high. In Serchhip district, which lies along the international border, smuggling is rampant, keeping law enforcement agencies such as the Police and Excise Department fully engaged. He also observed that cases under the POCSO Act are rising, further underlining the need for a higher court in the district.

The Government of Mizoram had issued a notification on 25th November 2024 for the establishment of this Circuit Court, placing it under the jurisdiction of the Additional District & Sessions Judge-II, Aizawl. However, the initiative faced delays due to staff shortages and lack of infrastructure. Proceedings began through video conferencing in June this year, and with a fully functional courtroom now in place, the court has officially become operational.

Judicial separation was introduced in Mizoram in 2006, with Serchhip District Court commencing operations in 2009. Initially, the Judicial Magistrate First Class operated from the DC Office until the dedicated District Court building at P&E Veng was inaugurated in 2016. Since then, the Chief Judicial Magistrate at Serchhip has handled both criminal and civil cases. However, serious session trials such as murder, narcotics, POCSO, rape, and anticipatory bail petitions were previously beyond its jurisdiction. With today’s inauguration, such cases can now be tried locally in Serchhip. The current Circuit Judge is Pi Julie Lalrinzami, Additional District & Sessions Judge-II, Aizawl.

The inaugural function was attended by Justice Marli Vankung of the Gauhati High Court, along with several dignitaries including Pi Helen Dawngliani, District & Sessions Judge, Aizawl; Pu Thanglianmang Guite, Secretary, Law & Judicial Department; Pu Paul L. Khuma, Deputy Commissioner, Serchhip; Pu Gavit Gogna, Superintendent of Police, Serchhip; senior officials of the Law & Judicial Department; court staff; and members of the Bar Association.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Pi Lalrochami Ralte, Chief Judicial Magistrate, Serchhip.