In a momentous development for Sikkim and the Northeast, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Thursday inaugurated the state’s first National Law University (SNLU), describing it as a milestone in the journey of legal education and justice delivery. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Hon’ble Chief Justice and Chancellor of SNLU, Justice Biswanath Somadder, whose pivotal role in making the university a reality was acknowledged by the Chief Minister. Addressing a packed gathering of judges, legal experts, students, and dignitaries, CM Tamang said the creation of the Sikkim National Law University is not just about setting up another academic institution but about laying the foundation of what he called a “sanctuary of justice.” He remarked, “With this university, the youth of Sikkim now have the opportunity to pursue quality legal education within their homeland, and to grow into professionals who combine integrity with compassion and service.”
The Chief Minister extended gratitude to Justice Somadder, High Court judges, the Law Department, and other stakeholders whose tireless efforts transformed the idea of SNLU into reality. He highlighted that academic activities have already commenced at the Sikkim Judicial Academy. Meanwhile, the permanent campus for SNLU will be developed at the SICUN complex in Assam Lingzey with financial support earmarked in the state budget. Alongside the inauguration of SNLU, CM Tamang also outlined a series of recent initiatives by his government aimed at strengthening legal empowerment in Sikkim. These include the establishment of the Directorate of Prosecution to ensure efficient justice delivery, the launch of Kanooni Sahayog Abhiyan to provide accessible legal aid at the grassroots level, and the Nari Adalat, designed to empower women to resolve community disputes in an informal yet effective manner.
In his speech, CM Tamang pointed to Sikkim’s impressive achievements in the India Justice Report 2025, where the state was ranked No. 1 among small states. The report recognized Sikkim’s progress in key areas such as policing, women’s representation in law enforcement, prison management, and overall judicial efficiency. “This recognition reflects our collective commitment to the rule of law and inclusive governance,” he said. The Chief Minister urged students and aspiring legal professionals to seize this opportunity to strengthen the legal and judicial framework not just in Sikkim but also across the country. “The Sikkim National Law University will emerge as a beacon of knowledge and justice, contributing significantly to our state and nation. I call upon the youth to embrace this path and become the torchbearers of a fair and equitable society,” he added. Justice Somadder, who also addressed the gathering, expressed confidence that the university will uphold the highest standards of legal education and nurture professionals capable of delivering justice with empathy and fairness.