In order to lighten the load on the lower judiciary, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated on Monday that his administration would remove one lakh minor cases, including those involving social media remarks.
Sarma, hoisting the national flag at the 76th Independence Day celebration in Guwahati, stated that in the lower judiciary around four lakh cases in pending.
According to him, the government has decided that minor cases filed before the stroke of midnight on August 14, 2021, will be withdrawn.
“This will enable the judiciary to focus on more heinous crimes such as rapes and murders,” said the chief minister.
Sarma asserted that Assam is a fundamental part of India and urged those who continue to pursue “sovereignty” as a goal to come back to the negotiation table.
“Sovereignty is non-negotiable and Assam will never leave India,” he said, in an apparent message to militant groups ULFA(I) and NSCN who have called for a “boycott” of Independence Day celebrations and “total shutdown” in five Northeastern states, including Assam.
According to the chief minister, the widespread involvement in the state’s “Har Ghar Tiranga” programme since Saturday has highlighted the patriotic sentiment that is ingrained in everyone’s heart.
He said, “The love people displayed for the Tricolour over the last three days proves Assam is always with India.”
“Hope those who are still dreaming of sovereignty will return to the discussion table and work together for the development of the state,” added Sarma.
