Supreme Court chief justice lists measures to improve judicial functioning

NEW DELHI - The long-awaited improvement in the infrastructure of the lower courts could soon become a reality with Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia Monday telling the apex court that a bench would be constituted to hear the problems being faced by the subordinate judiciary every Monday.

Similarly, matters to be heard by a constitution bench would not have to wait for long months for such a bench to be constituted. Chief Justice Kapadia, heading the bench comprising Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan and Justice Swatanter Kumar, indicated that there would be a constitution bench that would meet every Tuesday to hear matters pending before the court. He said the composition of this bench would keep changing from time to time.

The twin steps proposed would help bring to fruition the hope expressed by Chief Justice Kapadia on improving the conditions at the subordinate judiciary both in terms of infrastructure and human resource since he took over in May.

During the foundation stone laying ceremony of the new apex court complex at the Appu Ghar complex in Pragati Maidan two months ago, the then Chief Justice designate Justice Kapadia had drawn attention to the plight of the lower courts.

Chief Justice Kapadia said a special bench to be set up soon would have a sitting on every Monday and it would address the problems being faced by the bench and the bar in subordinate courts.

Chief Justice Kapadia said, “We will appoint an amicus curiae to assist the court and the bench will take up the problems state wise.” He said the various high courts would be asked to identify the problems they were facing and these would be forwarded to the states concerned for action.

“The chief secretary of every state will be asked to provide all facilities to all lawyers and other members of the judiciary. We cannot deal with all problems, but we can solve some problems,” Chief Justice Kapadia said.