Haryana sets up its first rural court

CHANDIGARH - Haryana’s first rural court started functioning Sunday in Shahbad town, 65 km from state capital Chandigarh.

Justice D.K. Jain of Supreme Court inaugurated the court at Shahbad tehsil office complex.

In its first sitting, the rural court settled cases of 91 panchayats (village councils) of Shahbad division.

Addressing the gathering, Justice Jain stressed the need for a separate cadre of judicial officers for these courts.

He said judges from this cadre should be appointed only for rural courts so that work in other courts is not affected.

Justice Jain said that 5,000 rural courts would be set up in the country in the next few years for early disposal of cases.

He added that the success of these courts would largely depend on the temperament of the officers appointed in these courts and how they understand the grievances of rural people.

Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Mukul Mudgal said that more than half of the population of the state resides in rural areas and the rural courts will save time and money of litigants living in these areas.

As per law, rural courts are required to settle cases within six months. These courts will make efforts to solve cases with mutual agreement and consent, Justice Mudgal said.