Work on the construction of a combined court complex at Aranthangi is nearing completion. Though the foundation for the building, estimated to cost Rs. 3.63 crore, was laid in March 2008, the project encountered delay because of administrative factors, according to official sources.
Members of Aranthangi Bar Association decided to go on an indefinite strike in July this year, in protest against the delay, which forced the district court authorities to intervene in the issue.
Talks were held with Public Works Department officials during which an assurance to complete the work without any further delay was given.
“The combined court will be pride of the town,” says R. Rajasekaran, secretary of Aranthangi Bar Association, referring to the scattered location of various courts in the municipality.
While the Munsiff court is located in the old hospital building, the Judicial Magistrate court is on the taluk office campus. “Both courts are separated by a distance of about one km and it is a great inconvenience for judicial officers and lawyers. The combined court will eliminate the hardship,” says B. Venkatesan, an advocate from Aranthangi.
Another feature of the combined building is that it has included the future expansion of the courts at Aranthangi. For instance, the scope for a sub-court is felt very much. At present, the sub-court is located in Pudukottai town, but a large number of cases pertain to Aranthangi sub-division.
“The plinth area of the combined court complex is 2,529.70 square metres. It includes 1,793.70 square metres on ground floor and 736 square metres on first floor,” say sources.
While the Judicial Magistrate and Munsiff courts will be housed on the first floor, the design of the combined court provides adequate space for the sub-court on the ground floor.
Although a substantial portion of the work is completed, minor work such as construction of vehicle shed and provision of furniture need to be finished.
