Fast track courts: HC seeks Govt.'s explanation

By Our Staff Reporter

KOCHI, SEPT. 17. A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court on Monday directed the State Finance Secretary to explain how much of the amount received from the Central Government for setting up fast track courts had been utilised so far.

The Bench, comprising the Chief Justice, Mr. B.N. Srikrishna, and Mr. Justice M. Ramachandran, directed the Finance Secretary to file an affidavit in this regard within three weeks. The Government was also directed to state the total amount received from the Centre in this regard and explain how the rest of the money had been spent.

The Bench directed the Central Government to file an affidavit on whether it had authorised the State Government to spend money meant for the fast track courts for any other purposes. Besides, it should explain the purpose for which the amount had been sanctioned. The court directives came on a writ filed by Mr. Sachithanandan.

In fact, a committee of High Court judges had suggested establishment of 27 fast track courts (additional sessions courts) in the State, two each in 13 districts and one in Wayanad. The Government had accorded administrative sanction and special sanction on January 29, 2001 for the construction of buildings for these courts. The petitioner said that despite these efforts, the courts were yet to materialise.

The Central Government had decided to establish fast track courts in view of the huge backlog and inordinate delay in the disposal of cases. According to a scheme formulated by the Central Government, each district should have at least five courts which were expected to dispose of at least 14 cases every month, with priority to cases of undertrials.

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Section  : Southern States
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