District Court complex has civic issues to address

A litigant complains that sometimes the toilets are locked and he has to use the open area behind the buildings

September 25, 2017 08:25 am | Updated 08:28 am IST - Madurai

A view of Madurai District Court in Madurai.

A view of Madurai District Court in Madurai.

The Madurai District Court complex looks porous and ill-maintained. This court functioned as the District and Sessions Court of Madurai and Ramnad till it was shifted to its new premises on the Melur Road in 1971. The busy court campus can be seen with advocates and litigants pouring in. But it is not big enough for the growing number of litigations. With the rainy season setting in problems also set in to unsettle the campus.

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court had passed an order directing the Principal District Judge and the Commissioner of Police to provide sufficient security to the District Court. The security measures included armed police force, metal detectors, luggage scanner and closed circuit television cameras to ensure that only the litigants, accused and witnesses are allowed inside.

A division bench of Justices K. K. Sasidharan and G. R. Swaminathan directed the district court to take up the security measures and asked for a status report to be filed. The Principal District Judge, in the report, has stated that CCTV cameras are being introduced and funds have already been released to take up the issue. ELCOT is assigned the work of supply and installation of CCTV cameras.

As part of the security measures, apart from a Sub-Inspector of Police, Intelligence Wing, Madurai City, and Sub-Inspector of Police, Special Branch, Madurai Rural, three other police personnel are posted at the main gate for bandobust duty from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. After the campus is closed at 8 p.m., a watchman is deployed.

S. Muthu Kumar, who had filed a public interest litigation petition seeking enhancement of security, had stated that many people accompanied the accused during trial and this could cause a threat to victims or witnesses. The petitioner had also pointed out that vehicles of shop owners near the court were parked inside. Following these submissions, the court, suo motu, impleaded the Executive Engineer, building maintenance, and Executive Engineer, WRO, Madurai, as parties to the case to check the stagnation of water and encroachments, if any, inside the campus.

It also directed the Commissioner of Police to conduct a security audit, which should include the present security arrangements and suggestions/recommendations for better security inside the court campus, and present the report by October 30. Mr. Muthukumar, while speaking to The Hindu , complained that there were instances of two-wheelers getting stolen from the court. This clearly indicated security lapse and unregulated parking of vehicles.

However, it is not only a question of security. The court complex lacks in basic civic amenities.

As one walks into the complex, the corridor is filled with stench from the toilets. Litigants use the toilets of both staff and advocates’ association. The court authorities said that the toilets were being cleaned daily and the public also had a duty to help in maintaining them properly.

One litigant complained that sometimes the toilets were locked and he had to use the open area behind the buildings.

Women litigants faced a tough time whenever the toilets were locked.

There are no drinking water facilities and ordinary people have to buy water from outside. “A canteen used to function in the past. We have to go outside now for refreshments,” said another litigant.

Advocate B. Stalin complained that the dispensary inside the campus no longer functioned.

“A dispensary is a must inside the court campus. With so many advocates, litigants and officials coming in, a dispensary should be operated at least to provide first aid should the need arise,” he said. There have been instances of litigants fainting.

Many people accompany the accused during trial. This can cause a threat to victims: S. Muthu Kumar, Advocate.

Many people accompany the accused during trial. This can cause a threat to victims: S. Muthu Kumar, Advocate.

 

Advocate S. Muthukumar said that earlier the dispensary was operated from one of the car sheds allocated for judges car. With the shed becoming not feasible, the dispensary had been closed.

Another major problem is parking of vehicles all over the campus.

There is no dedicated parking lot and this had led to haphazard parking all over the campus.

Security personnel complained that advocates and litigants do not pay heed even after they are asked not to leave their vehicles in a haphazard manner. There have been complaints of outsiders leaving their vehicle on the campus, which is a security lapse.

Basic civic issues need immediate attention. The recent downpour has left the campus waterlogged: S. Mohan Kumar,
MBA Secretary.

Basic civic issues need immediate attention. The recent downpour has left the campus waterlogged: S. Mohan Kumar,MBA Secretary.

 

S. Mohan Kumar, secretary, Madurai Bar Association, said that at least 4,000 advocates were associated with the district court out of whom at least 2,000 visited the campus daily. While going to mofussil courts in Theni and Ramanathapuram, they find it safe to park their vehicles on the court campus. The closing time should be delayed, he said.

He added that basic civic issues needed immediate attention. The recent downpour has left the campus waterlogged. The sewage is blocked, leading to water stagnation and mosquito breeding.

The court authorities told The Hindu that steps had already been initiated and funds were granted for enhancing security. It is about time the other issues ailing the court campus are addressed too.

0 / 0
Sign in to unlock member-only benefits!
  • Access 10 free stories every month
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.