Date:27/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/27/stories/2008112750270200.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Antony backs move for High Court Bench

Special Correspondent

Thiruvananthapuram: Defence Minister A.K. Antony said here on Wednesday that he would do the needful for the establishment of a High Court Bench in the State capital.

He gave the assurance to a delegation from the Federation of Residents’ Associations, Thiruvananthapuram (FRAT) which met him to submit a memorandum. Mr. Antony said the High Court Bench was a demand not only of the capital city, but of the whole State.

Mr. Antony suggested that an all-party delegation led by the Chief Minister, Leader of the Opposition and the Law Minister meet the Prime Minister to exert pressure on the Centre to get the demand conceded. He promised to stand behind the move.

Mr. Antony expressed hope that such a pressure from the government would help overcome objection from the Chief Justice on the setting up of a Bench in Thiruvananthapuram.