DIMAPUR, May 17: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday renewed his call for the establishment of a separate high court for Nagaland, advocating for a more inclusive and accessible legal system that acknowledges both modern jurisprudence and traditional customary laws.

Speaking at a tree plantation programme organised by the High Court Bar Association (HCBA) at the new high court complex in Meriema, Kohima district, Rio stressed the importance of preserving and recognising the role of customary law in Nagaland’s justice delivery mechanism.

“Just as the wisdom of our forefathers has guided our communities, so too can it coexist with the formal legal system,” Rio said, highlighting how traditional village- and district-level justice systems are “quick, cost-effective, and rooted in community harmony.”

The Chief Minister underscored that customary law, which is protected under Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution, continues to be a vital part of Nagaland’s socio-legal framework. He warned that many rural citizens and farmers might abandon their legal rights altogether if forced to rely solely on expensive and time-consuming court procedures.

“If we look only at the courts, many of our farmers and villagers in rural areas will not be able to afford legal processes. They might give up their rights altogether,” Rio said, adding that justice must be delivered “in spirit, not just in letter.” He stated that peace and harmony follow when justice is truly delivered, while injustice only sows division.

Addressing the state’s prolonged push for a separate high court, Rio lamented the lack of financial assistance from the Centre. “Despite multiple appeals to the Union Ministry of Law and Justice and the Chief Justice of India, we are yet to receive any funding for the establishment of a separate high court,” he said.

Currently, Nagaland operates under the Kohima bench of the Gauhati High Court. Rio revealed that the state government has already spent over ₹214 crore from its limited resources toward building the necessary infrastructure, including courtrooms, judges’ residences, and other support facilities. However, an additional ₹300 crore is required to complete furnishing and staffing.

“Despite all efforts, including personal visits and appeals to national leaders, the Centre has not provided any grants,” he added.

Reaffirming the state’s resolve, Rio stated, “We will continue to press our demand for a separate high court,” and urged the legal community in Nagaland to uphold high standards of justice and professionalism.