MP to establish 361 new courts

Bhopal, Mar 11 (UNI) Stressing the need to ensure expeditious justice for the common man, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today said the state government will soon establish 361 new courts at Civil Court level.

Mr Chouhan, while addressing the conference of Chief Ministers and Chief Justices of High Courts at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, said the number of courts and judges had to be increased manifold to achieve the object of proper and effective judicial system, an official release said here.

Besides this, large scale improvement of infrastructure of courts in the state was urgently required.

Mr Chouhan sought central assistance of Rs 200 crore for construction of new court buildings and residences of judges and staff besides renovation of existing court buildings.

Pointing out that Madhya Pradesh has become the first state to establish 'gram nyayalayas', he said the government established 1,581 'gram nyayalayas' between 2001-2003.

He said 1,53,042 cases had been filed in the 'gram nyayalayas' so far, while 81,728 cases had been disposed off. The 'gram nyayalayas' had been instrumental in providing easy and feasible justice to villagers and reducing the burden on regular courts.

Referring to the Gram Nyayalaya Bill, 2005, for the establishment of Village Court system, the Chief Minister suggested that the offences under section 147, 148, 277, 294, 352, 506, 376, 411 and 428 (where the value of property is upto Rs 1000) be brought within the jurisdiction of gram nayayalayas.

Regarding criminal offences arising through political movements, Mr Chouhan said withdrawing such cases was in public interest and the state governments should decide on the withdrawal.

Provisions of section 321 of CrPC should be made easier and practical for withdrawal of such cases.

Mr Chouhan said provisions of Section 320 of CrPC should be extended to cases, which were based on individual disputes and did not affect society adversely.

Introduction of such provision will definitely reduce the number of pending cases in courts, while dissolving cases by mutual settlement will have positive effect on the society, the release added.

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