Bombay High Court Sets Deadline for Air Conditioning in Mapusa Trial Courts
The Bombay High Court, hearing a petition concerning the installation of air conditioners in trial courts located in Mapusa, has granted the government a strict two-week deadline to submit a detailed status report. This report must outline the current progress of the work and provide a clear timeline for when the air conditioning systems will be fully installed and operational.
Court Expresses Urgency as Summer Approaches
The division bench, comprising Justices Suman Sham and Amit Jamsandekar, emphasized the urgency of the matter, noting that summer months are fast approaching. The court observed that despite several administrative steps being completed—including administrative approval, the floating of a tender, and the selection of an agency to execute the work—the project remains stalled. The primary obstacle is the awaited financial concurrence, which has prevented any further progress on the installation.
The court issued a stern warning, stating that if no concrete steps are visible by the next hearing date, it will consider issuing consequential orders. This could include directing the responsible officers to remain personally present in the High Court to answer queries and explain the delays.
Petition Highlights Dire Need for Air Conditioning
The petition was filed by the Mapusa Bar Association, represented by Advocate Jatin Ramaya. The association argued that working in the trial courts during the summer months has become nearly impossible due to extreme heat and high humidity levels. They highlighted that the building housing these courts is an old structure that was not originally designed to withstand such harsh climatic conditions.
"Air conditioning is not a matter of luxury but of dire necessity," the association stated in their submission. They pointed out that this issue has been pending for a long time and should have been resolved much earlier. In fact, the High Court had previously directed in October 2023 that the process be expedited, yet little progress has been made since then.
State's Capability Demonstrated by Existing Facilities
The Mapusa Bar Association further submitted that court complexes across the state of Goa are already equipped with air conditioning facilities. This demonstrates both the pressing need for such measures in Mapusa and the willingness and ability of the state government to undertake such infrastructure improvements. The association's argument underscores that the delay in Mapusa is not due to a lack of resources or capability but rather administrative hurdles.
The High Court's intervention now places significant pressure on the government to act swiftly. The two-week deadline is seen as a critical test of the administration's commitment to ensuring proper working conditions in the judiciary, which is essential for the efficient functioning of the legal system.
