HC expresses concern over lack of judicial infrastructure

Jodhpur: Rajasthan High Court, while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding the deteriorating condition of judicial infrastructure in the state, has expressed concern over the lack of basic facilities in court complexes.

Although the HC refrained from commenting on the compliance report of its previous order dated March 27, it made it clear that issues which are necessary for providing access to justice to the common man must be taken seriously and addressed immediately.

During the hearing before the bench comprising Justices Chandrashekhar and Chandrashekhar Sharma, reference was made to previous orders that had directed the resolution of matters related to land allocation for court complexes, advocate chambers, waiting areas and parking facilities on a priority basis. The court had already warned that continued non-compliance with these orders could lead to contempt proceedings.

The court also stated that it is not currently commenting on the functioning of state officials as the advocate general has assured that details of the decisions taken regarding the required facilities will be presented in the next hearing including some of the important issues which need urgent attention of the state authorities such as construction of toilets for females, creches, facilities for pregnant women and women with minor children who visit the court in connection with the pending litigation and other facilities for the courts, court staff and litigants.

"Several issues have been discussed in course of the hearing but we are not inclined to pass a detailed order in that regard and with a direction that necessary instructions would be provided to the learned advocate general by the chief secretary, finance secretary and building secretary, we adjourn the hearing of these matters by two weeks (May 23)," order stated.

The court also expected that the places where the plots have already been identified shall be handed over to the district judiciary as early as possible.