The Judiciary of Bhutan is honoured to mark the successful completion of the five-year tenure of the Honourable Chief Justice of Bhutan Lyonpo Chogyal Dago Rigdzin, a period defined by visionary leadership, progressive judicial reforms, and a steadfast commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law. Granted Dakyen by His Majesty The Druk Gyalpo under Article 21, Section 4 of the Constitution of Bhutan on June 11, 2020, Lyonpo Chogyal Dago Rigdzin brought to the Judiciary of Bhutan more than thirty years of exemplary public service, having joined the civil service in June 1990. During his tenure as the Chief Justice of Bhutan, he chaired over 143 Justices Conferences and presided over several landmark cases, shaping Bhutan’s legal landscape and reinforcing the principles of justice and integrity.
Under Lyonpo Chogyal Dago Rigdzin’s dynamic leadership, the Judiciary implemented several significant reforms and initiatives. In 2021, the Judiciary developed the Judiciary Strategic Plan 2022-2032 – 21st Century Judiciary Roadmap – to guide the institution’s future direction and reforms. The establishment of the Media and Communication Unit enhanced the dissemination of accurate information and improved communication for the public, while the creation of the Grievance Cell provided an important platform for litigants and the public to voice their concerns, fostering a culture of responsiveness and continuous improvement.
A notable innovation during his tenure was the establishment of the Time-Bound Bench, designed to address and expedite a large number of complex cases involving similar parties and properties. This initiative has been instrumental in ensuring timely justice and stands as a model of judicial efficiency and innovation. Additionally, the Enforcement Unit at the Thimphu Dzongkhag Court was launched to streamline the enforcement of judgments, further enhancing the effectiveness of the Judiciary.
Lyonpo Chogyal Dago Rigdzin also oversaw the formulation of several key guidelines and standard operating procedures, including those related to grievance redressal, private money lending, sentencing, conflict of interest, child support, workplace harassment prevention, and contempt of court among others, thereby strengthening the Judiciary’s framework for accountability and service delivery.
In 2023, the Judiciary conducted its first comprehensive performance review and evaluation of Dzongkhag and Dungkhag Drangpons, promoting meritocracy and professional development within the judicial service. A historic milestone was achieved with the formal delinking of the Judiciary from the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC), reinforcing the independence of the Judiciary and the constitutional principle of separation of powers. Further reforms included the introduction of a rotational system for Justices at the High Court, with the Chief Justice of the High Court presiding over both Benches to ensure consistency and centralized leadership. The renaming of the High Court Benches to ‘Khorlo’ and ‘Reldri’ further aligned the Judiciary with Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage.
In 2024, the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding between the Supreme Court of Bhutan and the Supreme Court of India marked a new era of bilateral judicial cooperation, strengthening ties and paving the way for enhanced collaboration and mutual learning.
A formal farewell ceremony was held today (June 11, 2025), at the Supreme Court of Bhutan to honour Lyonpo Chogyal Dago Rigdzin’s distinguished service and enduring contributions. His tenure leaves a legacy of innovation, integrity, and firm dedication to the pursuit of justice in Bhutan.