Jalpaiguri to Get Permanent Rs 500 Crore High Court Bench from July 12
Jalpaiguri is poised for a judicial milestone as its permanent Calcutta High Court circuit bench is set to open on 12 July, in an ambitious ₹500 crore project that pledges eco‑friendly facilities and better access to justice across North Bengal. Underlining a sustainable urban transformation, the permanent bench replaces a temporary bungalow-operating unit and sits on a 40-acre verdant site near Paharpur More off NH27.
The development aligns with the government’s commitment to green infrastructure. Officials say energy-efficient building design, water recycling systems, and landscaping using indigenous flora reduce the project’s environmental footprint. The decision underscores equity, comfort, and gender‑neutral planning: the facility includes separate restrooms and amenities for women, accessible features for differently abled users, and dedicated spaces for barristers—building community confidence in judicial transparency. This ₹500 crore investment reflects a strategic shift to strengthen legal access in Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Darjeeling, Cooch Behar, and Kalimpong, regions served by the circuit bench since 2019.
District officials highlighted that the new bench would significantly reduce both time and travel costs for litigants who earlier had to journey to Kolkata, making justice more accessible. The establishment is also expected to strengthen local bar associations. At an administrative meeting on Friday, senior officials from the judiciary, police, and district administration finalised inauguration plans, guided by the registrar and protocol officers of the judicial department. Meanwhile, the Jalpaiguri Bar Association welcomed the move but pressed for the inclusion of Malda and both Dinajpurs for a more equitable justice system.
While preparations progress, the state promises strong security measures for the inauguration event, which may host the Chief Justice of India, the Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court, state ministers and central dignitaries. The permanent bench launch signals the state government’s growing focus on Himalayan border‑region justice infrastructure, reinforcing law, sustainability, and regional equity. With its completion, Jalpaiguri emerges as a nodal centre for judicial efficiency in North Bengal.
