INFRASTRUCTURE ISSUES

The CJI has often spoken about the need for a National Judicial Infrastructure Corporation. Now a plea has been filed for setting up a Judicial Vista so that dispensation of justice is not hampered

-  Adarsh Kumar and India Legal Bureau

ON March 8, the Supreme Court bench of Justices Vineet Saran and Aniruddha Bose sought a response from both its administrative wing as well as the centre regarding the Judicial Vista. This was after a plea was filed seeking directions to prepare the layout and execute the work of construction of the Vista in the land adjoining the present premises of the Supreme Court. This would enable access to better and dignified working conditions for judges, members of the Bar and officials of the registry of the Court.

The plea said that the workload and number of judges, advocates and litigants have only increased whereas the size of the premises has not. It called for the construction of:

• A multi-level complex with 45-50 courtrooms and 5,000 chambers for senior lawyers.

• Underground parking facility for 10,000 cars.

• Adequate office, working and waiting space for law officers, advocates, standing counsel.

• Library, medical and photocopying facilities.

• Dedicated office space for all lawyer associations and bar councils.

"...financial constraints must never come in the path of progress. There is a need for the centre and states to co-operate and create a National Judicial Infrastructure Corporation...to cater to the need for judicial infrastructure in the country."

- Justice NV Ramana in March 2021