Sikkim High Court Orders Investigation into SGLC Infrastructure Issues
The Sikkim High Court has initiated a fact-finding inquiry to address the deteriorating infrastructure of the Sikkim Government Law College (SGLC) in Gangtok. This decision was made on Tuesday by the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice A Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Bhaskar Raj Pradhan, who have directed the State government to conduct a structural stability assessment of the college building by September 29.
Appreciation for Student Initiative
The court’s directive follows a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) prompted by student protests. The Students’ Representative Council had previously issued an ultimatum to the Higher Education Department on August 27, demanding action within 14 days. Dissatisfied with the department’s inadequate response, the students initiated an academic shutdown on September 11 and communicated their grievances to the Chief Justice, leading to the court’s intervention.
Structural Concerns and Student Advocacy
A prior assessment conducted in July by the Department’s Assistant Engineer estimated the repair costs at over ₹1.13 crore. In court, SGLC students presented photographic evidence of the college’s compromised infrastructure, highlighting issues such as cracked pillars, water seepage, mold, and damaged washrooms. They raised concerns about exposed, rusted, and broken reinforcement rods in the pillars, drawing parallels to a structural collapse incident in Delhi’s Satya Niketan.
Government and Student Positions
While the State government claimed that reconstruction efforts were underway, students argued that these measures were superficial and failed to address the critical problems outlined in the July assessment. They advocated for an independent structural analysis and proposed temporary relocation within Gangtok if the building was deemed unsafe.
Educational Standards and Facilities
The students highlighted several inadequacies in line with the Bar Council of India’s Rules of Legal Education, pointing out the lack of facilities such as a proper moot court hall, an understocked library, inadequate hostel accommodations, insufficient sanitary facilities, and the absence of sports amenities or NAAC accreditation. The court noted that only a small fraction of the college’s 2.7-acre campus is utilized, describing the current state as “pathetic.”
Interim Measures and Further Steps
In the interim, online classes will continue, with two classrooms arranged at the adjacent District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) for sessions that require in-person attendance. The Education Department has been tasked with submitting a time-bound plan for necessary repairs. Additional Advocate General (AAG) Zangpo Sherpa represented the State government, while students Shrijan Pradhan, Bibachana Rai, and Tilak Sharma represented the student body.
