PRESS RELEASE

Bhutan and India signed a Memorandum of Understanding to Develop, Promote, and Strengthen Bilateral Ties in Judicial Cooperation

09 October 2024

A significant milestone in judicial collaboration was marked today with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Supreme Court of Bhutan and the Supreme Court of India. The ceremony took place at the Yongthri (Full Bench) of the Supreme Court of Bhutan.

The MOU was signed by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Bhutan, Lyonpo Chogyal Dago Rigdzin, and the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, Dr. Dhananjay Yeshwant Chandrachud. This MOU aims to enhance mutual interaction among judges and officials from both countries through various initiatives, including exchange visits, training sessions, and academic programs. The collaboration will also focus on sharing best practices and experiences related to information technology in their respective judicial systems.

The MOU also sets the stage for the two judiciaries to explore specific bilateral initiatives to work out strategies and modalities for promoting and further strengthening cooperation, as well as mutual exchange of information on latest developments in the field of law and justice.

In conjunction with this signing, a renewal of an MOU was signed between Bhutan National Legal Institute (BNLI) and National Judicial Academy (NJA), Bhopal, by Director General of BNLI, Drangpon Pema Needup and Ambassador of India to Bhutan, H.E. Sudhakar Dalela, reaffirming their commitment to fostering legal education and collaboration.

Furthermore, a renewal of an MOU was signed virtually between Jigme Singye Wangchuck Law School (JSW Law School) and the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) by Dean of JSW Law School, Dasho Sangay Dorjee and Vice Chancellor of NLSIU, Prof. (Dr.) Sudhir Krishnaswamy. This MOU aims to enhance relations and develop academic and cultural exchanges in legal education and research.

Lastly, an MOU was signed between Bhutan Alternative Dispute Resolution Center (BADRC) and Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA), New Delhi, to establish a framework for collaboration in strengthening arbitration and mediation efforts. This MOU was signed by Chief Administrator of BADRC, Drangpon Tenzin and Director General of ICA, Mr. Arun Chawla.