ABOUT

The High Court of Sikkim Museum is an important institution established as a repository of the judicial and legal heritage of the state, with the purpose of documenting, preserving and exhibiting the evolution of Sikkim’s judicial institutions. The Museum, established on 8 December 2017, serves to preserve the institutional history of the High Court and to promote awareness of Sikkim’s legal heritage among members of the legal fraternity, scholars, students and the general public. The Museum was formally inaugurated by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Kurian Joseph, Judge, Supreme Court of India, in the presence of Hon’ble Mr.Justice Satish Kumar Agnihotri, the then Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim, along with other distinguished guests.

The Museum is located in a heritage bungalow of considerable historical significance, which functioned as the official residence of the Chief Justice until 2016. Dating back to 1910, the building was originally used to accommodate Civil Surgeons during the pre-merger period. After Sikkim’s integration with the Union of India in 1975, it was utilized as the residence of successive Chief Justices of the High Court. The conversion of this historic building into a museum has helped preserve an important part of Sikkim’s heritage while creating a suitable space for documenting and presenting the development of the State’s judicial system.

Set in the surroundings of Forest Colony, Baluwakhani, Gangtok, the High Court of Sikkim Museum presents the history of the State’s legal and constitutional development though its varied collections. Its exhibits depict the transitions from the traditional system of justice prevalent during the monarchical era to the establishment and subsequent development of a constitutional judiciary after Sikkim became a State of India. The collections which include historical documents, judicial records, photographs, manuscripts, paintings, sculpture and other archival resources have been displayed to provide an insight into the evolution of law, justice and judicial institutions in Sikkim.