No Current Proposal for Orissa High Court Bench in Kendrapada, Says Union Minister
In a significant parliamentary clarification, Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal stated on Thursday that there is currently no pending proposal with the Union government to establish a bench of the Orissa High Court. This statement was made during a session in the Rajya Sabha, addressing queries regarding judicial infrastructure and administrative processes.
Strict Prerequisites for High Court Benches
Minister Meghwal emphasized that the establishment of high court benches follows a rigorous framework. According to his explanation, such benches are set up based on the recommendations of the Jaswant Singh Commission and the judgments delivered by the Supreme Court in specific cases, including W.P. No. 379 of 2000. He outlined that any proposal must include a commitment from the state government to provide necessary expenditure and infrastructural facilities.
Key prerequisites highlighted by the minister include:
- Consent from the Chief Justice of the concerned high court.
- Approval from the governor of the respective state.
- A formal proposal from the state government with detailed funding plans.
These steps are essential before the Union government can process such cases, ensuring that all legal and administrative protocols are meticulously followed.
Infrastructure Development for Judiciary
In his response to a question posed by MP Muzibulla Khan, Minister Meghwal further elaborated on the responsibilities for developing judicial infrastructure. He stated that the primary duty for building infrastructure for district and subordinate courts rests with the state governments and Union Territories. However, to support these efforts, the central government has been implementing a Centre-sponsored scheme since 1993-94.
This scheme provides financial assistance through a prescribed fund-sharing pattern between the Centre and states/UTs, aimed at augmenting resources for judiciary infrastructure development. This initiative underscores the collaborative approach between different levels of government to enhance the judicial system's efficiency and accessibility.
Context and Implications
The clarification comes amid ongoing discussions about improving judicial access and infrastructure in regions like Kendrapada. By detailing the stringent requirements and existing support mechanisms, Minister Meghwal's statements highlight the complexities involved in establishing high court benches and the government's commitment to structured development in the judiciary sector.
This development is particularly relevant for legal professionals and residents in Odisha, as it sheds light on the procedural hurdles and collaborative efforts needed for judicial expansions. The emphasis on state-level initiatives and central support reflects a balanced approach to addressing infrastructure gaps in the legal system.
