Action plan apace to bring down arrears of cases, says Moily

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Rs. 500 cr. sanctioned for this year; High Courts given flexibility to use funds

Union Law Minister Veerappa Moily on Sunday announced that the action plan to bring down the arrears of cases pending in various courts from 15 to three years was gaining momentum. With proper infrastructure being put in place it would be implemented soon.

Speaking to journalists after participating in the regional meeting of State governments and High Courts here on implementation of the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission, Mr. Moily said the meeting discussed the common strategy on the plan of action for the judiciary following the allocation of Rs. 5,000 crore spread over five years.

Mr. Moily said that for this year already Rs. 500 crore was sanctioned and the High Courts were given flexibility to use the funds in an appropriate manner.

He said that besides the Rs. 5,000 crore allocation, an additional Rs. 8,000 crore for various States (excluding Allahabad and Delhi) would be provided on a one-time basis for improving court infrastructure. The Centre’s plan to set up an all-India judicial services forum might not take off soon due to lack of unanimity among States. “The debate would continue. We do not wish to impose ourselves. The Department of Justice in the Law Ministry will prepare a consultation paper and seek the views of all concerned and a decision would be taken after due deliberations.”

Gram Nyayalayas

On the opposition from States for establishment of Gram Nyayalayas, he said the Centre was willing to release extra funds to the States. He pointed out that the railways were anxious to work out a system under which mobile courts in rural areas could be established on trains. The concept of Family Courts does not seem to have found favour with certain States.

The Minister said a suitable law could be introduced to ensure that all family related issues were dealt with by a single court, saving litigants the trouble of visiting multiple courts. He said efforts were being made to fill up vacancies in subordinate and High Courts on a war footing and meritorious candidates with integrity would be selected to fill the posts.

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