In a significant milestone for legal education in the state, the Sikkim National Law University (SNLU) was officially inaugurated on September 4, 2025, at SICUN, Assam Lingzey. The ceremony was graced by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim, Biswanath Somadder, who also serves as the Chancellor of the University.
The inaugural event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including judges, ministers, senior legal officials, and community leaders, marking a momentous occasion in Sikkim’s educational and judicial history.
SNLU commenced its first academic session on September 1, 2025, and currently offers B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and LL.M. programmes. The University aims to provide accessible, high-quality legal education, particularly to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in Sikkim and the surrounding region.
In his inaugural address, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang described the establishment of the University as a historic step toward justice and empowerment. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to legal reform and capacity building, and also announced several new initiatives — including the Directorate of Prosecution, the Kanooni Sahyog Abhiyan, and the Nari Adalat, a women-led community justice forum designed to strengthen grassroots legal access and social equity.
Chief Justice Biswanath Somadder commended the launch of SNLU as a transformative development for Sikkim, expressing optimism that the institution would grow to become a national model for legal education rooted in both academic excellence and public service.
The event also featured the official launch of the University’s website and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter in the state’s legal and educational journey.
With its mission to combine legal scholarship with social responsibility, SNLU is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping future generations of lawyers, scholars, and public leaders in the Eastern Himalayas and beyond.
