Foundation for new high court complex at Porvorim
TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
PORVORIM: Admitting that the increasing number of litigations has delayed speedy justice, both Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and Chief Justice of the High Court of Bombay at Goa Mohit Shah have advocated measures to expedite justice to the people.
They were addressing a gathering at a function in the Secretariat on Liberation Day after Justice Shah laid the foundation stone for proposed high court complex at Porvorim in the presence of Parriker, Justice Bhushan R Gawai, Justice U V Bakre, Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte and other dignitaries.
“The number of litigations needs to be brought down drastically and as far as possible there should be zero pendency of legal cases. Litigants expect impartial and speedy justice and hence, laws should be simple,” said Parrikar.
Claiming that liberty is of paramount importance in a democracy, the chief minister stated that infrastructure, which is both excellent and easy to maintain, is necessary to safeguard the principles of liberty.
Stating that judges need a good environment to function properly, Parrikar said the State government had decided to construct a good complex for the high court where better facilities would be available not only for judges but for the lawyers and litigants.
“The district court in Panjim will soon be shifted to a new building at Patto,” informed Parrikar.
In his address, Justice Shah also voiced concern on the increasing number of litigations.
“Litigations are increasing in geometric proportions and litigants are ignored. The litigants are the consumers of justice and hence, they should get justice speedily with the minimum of expenses,” said Justice Shah.
Justice Shah also emphasized the need for accountability among judges and lawyers.
“To preserve the faith in the judiciary in the minds of the people there should be accountability, both at the level of judges and lawyers. This calls for a qualitative and quantitative change in the judiciary system,” said Justice Shah, while thanking the State government for offering land to the High Court for the new complex.
Appreciating the uniform civil code in Goa which should be appreciated by all, Justice Shah also recalled that the foundation stone for the high court complex was being laid on Goa’s Liberation Day.
Earlier, Advocate General Atmaram Nadkarni welcomed the gathering and stated that the high court complex is being constructed by Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation and will be completed within 18 months.
Justice B R Gawai delivered the presidential address, while and president of Bar Association Advocate Valmiki Menezes proposed the vote of thanks.
Advocate Gaurish Agni compered the function.
