Sikkim judiciary follows the general pattern of the Indian Judicial system. The high court of Sikkim is the apex judicial body of the state. There are a number of lower courts that try criminal and civil cases on a regional basis. It is heartening to see, that a primarily tribal state like Sikkim, each with its own system of juridical tradition, is gradually but surely waking up towards adopting the Indian judicial system.
Sikkim High Court
Sikkim High Court is the apex judicial body of the state. Located in Gangtok, it is the central institution around which the entire system of Sikkim judiciary is woven. The judiciary of Sikkim got a shot in the arm, when the Sikkim High Court was given the status of a state high court on the basis of the 38th Amendment in 1975. Although, it is one of the smallest in the country with only three functioning judges, it is of great significance in the proper maintenance of the judiciary at Sikkim. Sri Pawan Chamling, the chief minister of Sikkim, is committed towards placing the judiciary of Sikkim on a strong foundation.Lower Courts in Sikkim
The lower courts in Sikkim are extremely central towards a proper maintenance of the judiciary in Sikkim. There are district courts which try both civil and criminal cases. While the session’s judges are vested with the authority to give the verdict on civil cases, the judicial magistrates are vested with the responsibility to try and judge criminal cases. The district courts are special features of the Sikkim judiciary. They were built according to a special privilege extended by the constitution of India to most North East states. The justice there is held as par the rules laid down by the tribal customs. For more information on Sikkim judiciary, click on the following links:- Chief Justice
- High Court
