SC issues directions to revamp judicial infrastructure
New Delhi, Aug 2 : The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a slew of directions to revamp judicial infrastructure and the quality of justice administration in courts across the country, saying strengthening of court infrastructure requires immediate attention.
The bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice A.M. Khanwilkar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud directed that professionally qualified court managers, preferably with an MBA degree, be appointed in judicial districts to assist in court administration.
It said such court managers would help in identifying the weaknesses in the court management system and recommend workable steps for rectifying the same.
The services of any person already working as a court manager in any district should be regularised by the state government, as their assistance is needed for a proper administrative setup in a court, the bench held.
The court took noted that improving the quality of judicial infrastructure is an area that has been given relatively low importance. Strengthening of court infrastructure requires "immediate attention" in the form of planning, enhanced budgeting and structured implementation.
The court in its order stated: "It brings us to the focal point, i.e. judicial infrastructure which has been given relatively low importance. Most of the states are making budgetary provision as low as less than 1 per cent of their total budget for the judiciary."
The court's direction came on a plea relating to the infrastructure of courts, particularly the subordinate courts across India.
The bench said the provision of basic infrastructure facilities in all court complexes is essential, as infrastructure forms the core for efficient and efficacious dispensation of speedy and qualitative justice.
The apex court said the court complex should have administrative offices, a mediation centre, proper parking space, canteens, air-conditioning, drinking water, adequate restrooms for men, women, transgenders and differently abled persons.
All court premises must establish a working and fully operational help desk at major alighting points with trained court staff. There should also be maps and floor plans of the entire court complex at entry and exit points and visible signages.
Creche facility at nominal rates for toddlers, falling within the age group of 6 months to 6 years must also be available.
The court said a copy of the order should be sent to the Chief Secretaries of each state, with a direction to constitute a committee to formulate a development plan.
The bench posted the matter for August 23.
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Actor Rahul's death: Film body demands fair probe, files police complaint
Kolkata (PTI): Amidst the controversy over the accidental death of actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee during an outdoor shoot near Digha in Purba Medinipur district, the West Bengal Motion Picture Artists' Forum on Saturday lodged a police complaint against the producers in connection with the incident.
Senior forum members, including actors Prosenjit Chatterjee and Santilal Mukherjee, told a press meet outside Regent Park police station that the complaint called for a fair and transparent probe into the tragedy.
"We want the real truth and exact circumstances behind the incident to come to light," a forum member said. Actor Rituparna Sengupta was also present at the briefing.
Banerjee's wife, Priyanka Sarkar, was also present but did not speak to the media.
"On March 29, during the shooting of television serial 'Bholey Baba Par Karega' at Talsari near Digha, our colleague and forum member, actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee, tragically passed away due to an accidental drowning," the forum said in a statement on Friday night.
"In this regard, the forum, on behalf of its members, sought legal advice to ascertain the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. Accordingly, a formal letter was sent to the production house.... on April 1 seeking clarification," the statement said.
"However, the response received on April 2 was found to be unsatisfactory and inadequate. Since then, various opinions and concerns have also been expressed on social media regarding the incident," the forum said.
Mukherjee said in light of this, and after further legal consultation, the forum has decided to initiate legal proceedings.
Chatterjee said the forum would consult lawyers to decide the next course of action.
Meanwhile, several members of the Bengali film industry held a procession from Technicians' Studio to Radha Studio, a distance of around 1 km, carrying placards reading 'Justice for Rahul'.
The rally was led by several known faces of the industry, including actor-director Aparna Sen, Anjan Dutt, director Srijit Mukherjee, Kaushik Ganguly, actor-director Parambrata Chatterjee, actor Rudranil Ghosh, actor Riddhi Sen, actor-theatre personality Kaushik Sen, among others.
The rally was supported by technician federation director Swarup Biswas.
Earlier, the makers of 'Bholey Baba Par Karega' had expressed grief over Banerjee’s death and assured that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be examined transparently.
"The entire cast and crew are in profound mourning. We request a few days to gather accounts of those present so that a comprehensive and accurate report can be presented," the producers had said, adding that a representative nominated by the actor’s family or the forum could observe the process.
Police officials said according to eyewitness accounts, Banerjee and a co-actor were filming a dance sequence in knee-deep water when they slipped into an underwater ditch. Both were taken to a hospital in Digha, but Banerjee could not be saved.
Banerjee rose to fame with the 2008 Bengali film 'Chirodini Tumi Je Amar', directed by Raj Chakraborty, which starred him opposite Priyanka Sarkar and became a major hit.
Rahul, who had started his career in early 2000, acted in several critically acclaimed Bengali films and TV soaps after the blockbuster success of Chirodini in 2008 and also started hosting a podcast which gained popularity.
