Tamil Nadu - Madurai   

Lawyers’ boycott puts judicial officers in a spot

MADURAI: The ongoing lawyers’ boycott of courts across the State has affected not only litigants but also judicial officers who face the threat of being denied promotions and other incentives for non-disposal of cases.

As per Madras High Court norms, Civil Judges (senior division, which includes the presiding officers of District Courts and Sub Courts) have to try and pass judgments in a minimum of six criminal cases every month. The officers should also hear and pass final orders in 12 appeal suits. It is mandatory for them to submit a monthly report on the number of cases disposed of by them to the High Court Judge concerned, who holds the portfolio of a particular district.

Similarly, District Munsifs falling under the Civil Judges (junior division cadre) should dispose of 15 title suits and 20 money suits a month. The Judicial Magistrates are required to complete 20 contested cases and examine 80 witnesses on a monthly basis.

Failure to reach the norms is usually viewed seriously by the portfolio judges concerned and memos are issued to the judicial officers. It has a bearing on the promotions and super time scale of pay of the officers concerned.

According to sources in the High Court, lawyers’ boycott could not be cited as a reason for not meeting targets. The judicial officers are supposed to preside over the court and take up final hearing cases.

As per the statistics available as on May 31, around 4 lakh cases are pending before the principal seat of the Madras High Court in Chennai and nearly 40,000 cases before the Madurai Bench.

The present boycott is against the High Court Judges’ decision to permit court staff holding a law degree to participate in the recruitment of 201 Civil Judges (junior division) by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission. Lawyers have resolved to boycott the courts until July 11. In the meantime, they have submitted memoranda to the Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and Law Minister Durai Murugan, expecting a positive response.

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