No proposal by UP govt for setting up circuit bench: Hans Raj

Allahabad, Jan 6 (UNI) Union Minister of Law and Justice Hans Raj Bhardwaj clarified today that so far, there had been no discussion with the Uttar Pradesh government regarding the setting up of the circuit bench of the Allahabad High Court in Western Uttar Pradesh.

Talking to mediapersons here, Mr Bhardwaj alleged it was self created news of some newspapers, adding ''whenever I visit Allahabad, I have to face such controversies.'' Asked if there had been no discussion on this issue, how could it be published in newspapers, Mr Bhardwaj added ''I will speak only what is relevant.'' Mr Bhardwaj maintained ''the Law Ministry has not discussed on the issue since 1987. The formation of circuit bench of the Allahabad HC was the matter of the state government, while the Central government would take any action only on a proposal send by Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav or Governor T V Rajeshvar. So far, UP government has send no such proposal to us.'' He said he has called a meeting of the Law Ministers of all states on January 17 next at Delhi, where a detailed discussion would be made on how to bring improvement in the judicial system.

He added the government has decided to set up 7,000 mobile courts in rural areas for early disposal of the cases, which were pending. These mobile courts would be sponsored by the Central government and would go upto block level.

Irate with the proposal of Mr Bhardwaj for the formation of a Circuit Bench of Allahabad High Court in western Uttar Pradesh, the HC lawyers had resorted to 'chakka jam' on Grant Trunk Road yesterday.

The mob had burnt tyres on both ends of the GT Road, paralysing movement of vehicles, that led to a massive traffic jam on the busy throughfare. They also damaged the dias and pandals, constructed by Congress-supported lawyers on the campus, where the minister was about to honour some lawyers, besides unveiling the portraits of two lawyers.

Following the tension, police, PAC and Rapid Action Force and fire brigade jawans had been deployed near the HC compound.

Yuva Bar Association President Laxmi Kant Mishra said the protest against the Law Minister would continue, till he takes back the proposal. ''Mr Bhardwaj is trying to divide the lawyers,'' they said.

A bench of the Allahabad HC already exists in Lucknow.

UNI