States demand more central assistance for judicial infrast

Chief Ministers from states ruled by non-NDA parties today demanded substantial support from the Centre for improving judicial infrastructure even as they resolved to address the issue of pendency of cases.
Addressing a joint conference of Chief Ministers and Chief Justices of high courts, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the state, in its submission to the 14th Finance Commission, had sought grants of Rs 4,461 crore for improving judicial infrastructure in the state that included doubling the number of judges and courts, a State Judicial Academy and provision for training of judicial officers and public prosecutors and court managers.

"The Commission has not recommended grant-in-aid to the states, but has urged the state governments to use the additional fiscal space provided by it in the tax devolution.... I request the Union Government to provide substantial support for improving the judicial infrastructure in the state," said the CM from the Congress-ruled state.
Bihar also sought financial assistance from the Centre for increasing the number of judicial officers and non-gazetted employees and to expand the basic infrastructure.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that the state being "resource poor" needs Centre's financial help to strengthen the judicial system.
"There is need of sufficient fund for increasing the number of judicial officers and non-gazetted employees and to expand the basic infrastructure of judiciary.

"A resourceless state like Bihar is facing problems to fulfil the same with its own resources. It is important to increase financial help under 14th Finance Commission.

"It is being felt that 75 per cent co-operation of central government is necessary for providing adequate compensation to persons affected by criminal offences under atrocities compensation scheme through Legal Services Authority," Kumar said.
Observing that his state lacks funds, Kumar also sought the Centre's support in providing various facilities to advocates under the 14th Finance Commission.
Kumar, who is heading a JD(U) government, also said that the budget provision for establishment of village courts is insufficient due to which construction of building for the office and residence of judges had become "impossible".

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi asked for a special package from the Centre for Assam and other north eastern states for overall development of justice delivery system in the region.
Gogoi pointed out that the first phase of construction of the National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam at a cost of Rs 100 crore is on the verge of completion.
The chief minister while stressing on the need to infuse managerial skills in the judicial system as endorsed by the 13th Finance Commission, said the central government must provide adequate funds for this purpose instead of leaving it entirely to the state governments.

He urged the Centre to grant "a special package for north eastern states, including Assam for overall development of justice delivery system."
Gogoi stressed on the need for time-bound implementation of e-Court project to 'bring about sea-changes in the justice delivery system.