Over 100 advocates write to CJI, express concern over functioning of K’taka HC, Chief Justice
Bengaluru: A group of advocates practicing in the Karnataka High Court, including several senior members of the Bar, have raised serious concerns over the functioning of the Chief Justice on both administrative and judicial fronts.
In a memorandum addressed to the Chief Justice of India, the advocates have alleged inefficiency, inequitable distribution of work, and other systemic issues affecting the institution.
The memorandum, signed by over 100 advocates and submitted by T.G. Ravi, General Secretary of the Advocates’ Association, Bengaluru, emphasized that the Advocates have no personal agenda and are acting solely to “restore the glory of the High Court and bring back the fast-eroding public confidence in the institution.”
One of the primary allegations in the letter concerns the punctuality of the Chief Justice.
“The Chief Justice has not commenced his court on time, which is 10:30 a.m., on any day for the past several months. He has also risen much earlier than 4:45 p.m. on every single day for the past several months,” the memorandum states. The advocates argue that this has severely affected the disposal of cases, particularly urgent and important matters such as Public Interest Litigations (PILs) , Writ Appeals and Green Bench.
They further allege, “Lawyers and litigant public believe that since the matters are not listed and, even if listed, enough working hours are not being put in, no purpose will be served in filing matters in the High Court. This, as already stated, has eroded public confidence in the court.”
The advocates also criticized the administrative handling of judicial rosters and the allocation of judges to the Kalaburagi and Dharwad benches. The memorandum highlights that some judges have avoided duties at these benches for more than a year, while others have been disproportionately burdened.
“The allotment of subjects and sitting at the various benches being inequitable and lopsided has led to a simmering dissent amongst several judges. This is a very unhealthy development and has the potential to impair the justice delivery system of the High Court,” the letter asserts.
In addition to inefficiencies, the memorandum makes a allegation of corruption in the administrative office. It claims, “There is large-scale corruption in the office, with huge money being demanded for getting matters listed before a particular bench, getting listed on the same day, or avoiding the listing of matters for long periods.”
Senior members of the Bar, along with elected representatives, are said to have already written to the judiciary about these concerns. The advocates have urged the higher judiciary to conduct a discreet inquiry into these issues. “We have great faith in the system and, as officers of the court, believe it to be our bounden duty to bring to your notice the anomalies in the system, so that they can be set right," read the memorandum.
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Railways gives Rs 56,993 crore subsidy on tickets every year: Ashwini Vaishnaw
New Delhi (PTI): A total subsidy of Rs 56,993 crore is given every year by the Indian Railways to all categories of passengers, with a 46 per cent rebate on every ticket, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday.
Replying to multiple questions in the Lok Sabha on restoring discounts given to various categories of train passengers, he said if the price of a ticket is Rs 100, then the railways charges just Rs 54 for it -- a discount of 46 per cent.
"A total of Rs 56,993 crore subsidy is given every year by the Indian Railways to all classes of passengers," Vaishnaw said during the Question Hour.
Replying to another question on rapid train service, he said the railways has already started such a service -- Namo Bharat Rapid Rail -- between Bhuj and Ahmedabad and the satisfaction level of passengers is extremely high due to its superior service.
Officials said Namo Bharat Rapid Rail has improved intercity connectivity by covering the 359-kilometre distance between Bhuj and Ahmedabad in 5 hours and 45 minutes, with stops at several stations along the way.
