The Sikkim High Court has initiated a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning “climatic justice” in the State, taking note of the severe hardship and impact caused by the recent flash floods in neighbouring Nepal.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Bhaskar Raj Pradhan appointed Advocate Sudhir Mishra and Senior Advocates Dr. Doma T. Bhutia and T. R. Barfungpa as Amici Curiae to assist the Court.
The Bench observed that it was imperative to hear members of the public and local communities who may be affected by the issues arising in the proceedings. It accordingly directed the Registry to circulate the proceedings to local print and digital media outlets, including The Sikkim Express, to raise public awareness and invite opinions and suggestions.
The Court also directed the impleadment of the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, the Power Department of the Government of Sikkim, the Ministry of Railways and the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) as respondents and issued notices to them.
The Sikkim State Legal Services Authority (SSLSA) has been directed to assist the Amici Curiae in gathering local inputs and information from various regions of the State.
The matter has been listed for hearing on October 6, 2026.
