The new Samtse court building

It is the second court to be built in the country that meets international standards and is seen as a model court building, according to the project manager for the court construction, Paro Drangpon Lungten Drubgyur.

The first court to be constructed with similar design and facilities was the Phuentsholing dungkhag court. “We want to construct such courts throughout the kingdom if possible,” he said.

The new Danish ambassador to Bhutan, Mr. Ole Lonsmann Poulsen, and Mrs. Poulsen formerly inaugurated the Nu. 16 million court building on October 15. Its construction began in 2005.

Another Nu. 7 million, also funded by DANIDA, was used in development of ICT, holding ICT conferences and supply of computers to the courts in Bhutan according to the project manager.

According to court officials the new court in Samtse would bring about greater professionalism by providing the space and facilities required to properly dispense justice.

So far the court was operating in overcrowded rooms in the dzong, which was shared with the dzongkhag administration.

“The court officials were sharing five rooms in the dzong and it was not convenient during public trials or hearings and while the litigants were talking with the officials because there was no privacy,” said the project manager. “There was also no space for public to witness cases.”

In the new court all judicial officials will have independent rooms or cubicles equipped with computer and furniture, provided through the project. “Privacy would enhance interaction between the judicial officials and the litigants and the computers make it possible to get information without having to go to the courtroom,” said the project manager.

The infrastructure development aspect, which included construction and furnishing, site development and construction of boundary wall, cost about Nu. 16 million. The rest were for developing a web management system for the high court and computers for the district courts.

Thanking the Danish representatives during the inauguration ceremony the Chief Justice, Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye, said the construction of the court was an integral part of the structural reforms in the judiciary.

“It strengthens the institutional structure and enhances professionalism to prepare the judiciary to play the mandated role in new era of democracy in Bhutan,” said the Chief Justice.

In his keynote address the Danish ambassador, Mr. Poulsen, said that development was not just economic but also socio-justice and judiciary development in Bhutan was a focus area of Danish collaboration with Bhutan. “Justice for all is not just a saying but a core element of all societies,” said Mr. Poulsen.

Similar courts, also under the Danish assistance, are being constructed in Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephu. About Nu.16 million each were provided as fund. The construction of the Mongar court is also expected to be funded by DANIDA early next year.