Judiciary could not be considered corruption free: CM

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 11 (UNI) Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan today said it could not be fully considered that judiciary was free of corruption.

Laying the foundation stone for a new district court complex here, he said there was a general feeling that judges were above criticism and people were hesitating to lodge complaints because of contempt of court.

Mr Achuthanandan said efforts would continue to get a High Court Bench in Thiruvananthapuram.

He welcomed the proposal for the formation of a National Judicial Council.

State Law Minister M Vijayakumar, who presided over the function, said the government was seriously thinking of constituting a welfare board for advocate clerks.

The 58,000 sq ft complex, to be constructed at a cost of Rs 6.4 crore, would be over by 2009. It would have 12 courts, judges chambers, library and other facilities.

Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and Public Works Minister T U Kuruvila also attended the function.

UNI CGV JJ 1947