The Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench Calcutta High Court inspection has marked a significant milestone in Bengal’s judicial history. On December 20, 2025, Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul, accompanied by four other judges of the Calcutta High Court, visited the newly constructed permanent complex of the Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench. Built on a sprawling 40‑acre plot near Paharpur More, the complex is scheduled for inauguration on January 17, 2026.
This inspection reflects the judiciary’s commitment to expanding access to justice in North Bengal, a region long demanding permanent infrastructure for its circuit bench.
2. Background of the Circuit Bench
- The Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench was established in 2019.
- It has been functioning from a temporary building — a bungalow of the Zilla Parishad at Station Road.
- The state government planned a permanent complex to meet growing demands.
- The new facility is expected to ease the burden on litigants from districts like Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, and Darjeeling.
3. Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench: The Inspection
- Justice Sujoy Paul reviewed the infrastructure and facilities.
- Senior officials of the district administration were present.
- Judges held meetings regarding the upcoming inauguration ceremony.
- The inspection also included a visit to the existing circuit bench at Station Road.
4. Demands from the Bar Association
- Members of the Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench Bar Association urged the Acting Chief Justice to grant permanent status to the bench.
- They requested inclusion of Malda, North Dinajpur, and South Dinajpur districts under its jurisdiction.
- Lawyers emphasized that litigants from these districts face difficulties traveling to Kolkata.
5. Government External Links for Assistance
- Calcutta High Court: https://calcuttahighcourt.gov.in
- Supreme Court of India: https://main.sci.gov.in
- Ministry of Law & Justice: https://lawmin.gov.in
- Government of West Bengal: https://wb.gov.in
6. Significance of the New Complex
- Provides modern courtrooms, chambers, and facilities for lawyers and litigants.
- Symbolizes decentralization of justice in Bengal.
- Expected to reduce case backlogs by distributing workload.
- Enhances accessibility for citizens in North Bengal.
7. Historical Context of Circuit Benches in India
- Circuit benches are established to bring justice closer to remote regions.
- Examples include:
- Karnataka High Court benches in Dharwad and Kalaburagi.
- Bombay High Court benches in Nagpur and Aurangabad.
- Jalpaiguri’s bench follows this model, ensuring regional representation.
8. Governance Challenges
The Jalpaiguri bench highlights:
- Need for permanent judicial infrastructure.
- Coordination between judiciary and state government.
- Adequate staffing of judges and clerks.
- Public awareness campaigns to inform citizens about new facilities.
9. Global Comparisons
Judicial decentralization is a global trend:
- USA: Federal courts established across states for accessibility.
- UK: Crown Courts spread across regions.
- Australia: Circuit courts serving rural communities.
India’s circuit bench system reflects similar efforts to balance centralized authority with regional access.
10. Governance Lessons
The inspection teaches:
- Infrastructure investment is essential for justice delivery.
- Community engagement strengthens legitimacy of judicial expansion.
- Regional inclusion reduces inequality in access to courts.
- Transparent planning ensures smooth inauguration and functioning.
11. Future Outlook – Strengthening Regional Justice
India must move towards:
- Permanent benches in underserved regions.
- Digital case management systems to reduce delays.
- Hybrid hearings combining physical and virtual presence.
- Judicial outreach programs to educate citizens about their rights.
12. Conclusion
The Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench Calcutta High Court inspection is more than a routine review. It symbolizes the judiciary’s commitment to decentralization and accessibility. With inauguration scheduled for January 2026, the new complex promises to transform justice delivery in North Bengal. If granted permanent status and expanded jurisdiction, the bench could become a cornerstone of regional governance, ensuring that justice is not a privilege of metropolitan citizens but a right accessible to all.
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