After years of delay the Supreme Court construction in Thimphu sees a sign of nearing completion. The Sertog of the Court was placed today. However, sources said it would take another year to complete the entire project.
Initially the construction was expected to have been completed in 2010, but was delayed due to dispute over its location, awarding of contracts and complications in tendering process among many others. The Chief Justice, Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye, said, this had not only delayed the project but also escalated the cost of construction. Though the foundation stone was laid in October 2005, the construction began only towards the end of 2009.
The Chief Justice added that the government of India was generous and gave their unprecedented support despite all those challenges.
As part of the ceremony, Their Majesties the Queen Mothers and the Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, who is also the President of the Bhutan National Legal Institute unveiled the Nga-chu-druk Kilkhor of Zhabdrung Rinpoche and Sertog. The purification ritual and recitation was presided by the Tsula lopen. And also present was the Indian Ambassador to Bhutan V.P Haran.
Of the Nu. 700 million funded by the government of India, over Nu. 635 million has been spent so far.
