Under rule of law, litigant asimportant as bar, bench: CM

Time of India

2 days ago

Lucknow: Chief Minister
on Saturday said that under the rule of law, a litigant is as important as the bar and the bench.
Speaking at the inauguration of the advocate chambers and a parking building on the Allahabad high court premises, the CM recalled a programme addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017 where he emphasised that the first condition of good governance is the rule of law.
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The inauguration of the new projects, constructed at a cost of Rs 680 crore, took place in the presence of Chief Justice of India Justice BR Gavai.
"Advocates strive for justice even though their working conditions are highly difficult. Many have to operate from broken chambers and even while sitting under trees," Yogi said.
"Today is the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar. This is also the Amrit Mahotsav year of the implementation of the Constitution of India.
The arrangements made at the court are excellent. Along with multi-level parking, the facility also includes advocate chambers, a cafeteria, a modern kitchen, and conference amenities. This can serve as a new model for infrastructure development," the CM said, adding that funds required for expansion work would be made available soon.
He also advocated for putting the multilevel car park to commercial use, citing the example of a multilevel parking in Gorakhpur, built six years ago, which initially failed as its usage was very low.
"I suggested that the top two floors be converted into commercial spaces. As soon as this was implemented, the entire complex started getting fully occupied. People who earlier used to park their vehicles on the streets now park inside the complex and enjoy the facilities," he said.
Yogi said that when he took over as CM in 2017, at least 10 districts in UP did not have district courts. There were times when either the chief justice or the state govt did not approve the proposed designs.
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"Eventually, the govt instructed executing agencies to create a model that could serve as a standard where, along with integrated court complexes, provisions for parking and advocate chambers are included. Of the proposals we submitted, approvals have been received for seven districts from here, and Rs 1,700 crore has already been released. The court cases for remaining three districts have also been resolved, and we will provide them with similar facilities in respective districts," the CM said.
Speaking about the integrated court complex, the CM said that once in place, it would provide litigants with access to all judicial services under one roof, including chambers and parking for advocates, as well as housing facilities for judicial officers.
He also spoke about the initiatives taken by the govt for advocates, underlining the increase in Advocate Fund from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, and the age limit from 60 to 70 years.
"A separate corpus fund of Rs 500 crore has also been established which will be used in cases such as an accident involving an advocate. The trustee committee will utilise this fund to support the affected family," he said.
He hailed the role of the Allahabad high court in managing the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, which was attended by over 66 crore people.
"If everyone fulfils responsibilities in line with the spirit of the Constitution envisioned by Babasaheb BR Ambedkar, meaningful results can be achieved," he said.