India is known for the best Justice Delivery system and our legal system is
one of the best legal systems in the world. Ideal Justice Delivery system is inevitable
for a democratic country. The 16th National Conference of ABAP held at
Kurukshetra, Haryana on 26-28 December 2022 is of the opinion that providing
infrastructure for the smooth functioning of the courts is the duty of the respective
Governments. But the Governments are very reluctant to provide such
infrastructures properly and promptly in spite of collecting huge amounts through
the courts by way of court fees and fine.
Presently the infrastructures in the courts are very limited and functioning of
the courts is very difficult due to lack of basic infrastructures. Not only in the trial
Courts but also the case of High Courts is also very pathetic as per the information
gathered by ABAP. At Andhra Pradesh High Court, Case bundles are kept in the
corridor since no record room is available. The District Courts and Taluk or tahsil
courts are best examples of Government’s hostile attitude towards the justice
delivery system. There are no Court complexes, no parking space, no sufficient court
halls, and no sufficient space for Bar associations or libraries. Many of the Court
complexes lacking post offices, Primary Health centers and branches of banks. Some
Court complexes having crushes for kids but it is only for judges. Chambers for
layers are also not provided in majority of the Court complexes. Lack photocopiers
in the Courts caused much delay in issuing certified copies of document and
depositions. There is no ramp or lift for the elders or divvyaangh. Overcrowded
Court halls and corridors are there. Old chairs and tables with dancing legs are there
even in the District Court halls. There is no sufficient light or fans in the Court hall.
Non availability of Court complexes, Bar association hall, Library and toilets are
common phenomenon throughout India. Lady lawyers are keeping away from their
mofussil courts since there is no facility for them including wash rooms and drinking
water. The Centrally sponsored Scheme(CSS) fund is not utilizing properly and there
must be yearly audit for the same. While answering to a question in Parliament,
recently the Central Law minister reveals that 26% of the Court complexes in India
do not have separate toilets for lady lawyers. ABAP demands for an audit about the
fund allocation and expenditure of infrastructure development at judiciary.
Technology developments are not properly reached so far in the District and
mofussil courts centers. During Covid pandemic virtual hearing started but there is
no proper internet connectivity in District and Taluk Court centers. The Supreme
Court made e-filing compulsory from January 2022, but there is no mechanism at
Court centers for the same.
The 16th National Conference of ABAP held at Kurukshetra, Haryana on 26 to 28
of December 2022 demands to the Central and respective State Governments to
ensure basic infrastructure in all Court centers without any fail and demands to the
Supreme Court for an officious monitoring for the same.
