Union Law Minister Reiterates Centre’s Willingness To Approve HC Bench In Western Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday reiterated that the Centre was ready to extend its approval to the permanent bench of High Court in western Odisha provided the state government submits a complete proposal.

Speaking at Nyaya Yajna, the first conference of Central Government Councils of Eastern States of India in Bhubaneswar, Rijiju said he was aware of the demand for the HC bench in western Odisha and the agitations in support of it.

“The Centre is ready to extend its approval provided the Odisha government comes up with a concrete proposal. The MPs from the state have raised the demand in the Parliament and I have clarified the Centre’s stand,” he said.

“We support the demand. But the proposal should come from the state government and the Orissa High Court,” he added.

As per the norms, the Odisha government should provide necessary infrastructure and the HC give its approval to set up the permanent bench or circuit bench, he said adding that the matter entirely rests with the state authorities.

On other issues, the Law Minister said the local languages should be promoted in transactions of court business. The use of mothertongues in legal matters can lead to faster settlement of the cases, he added.

He further said at present, around 4.9 crore cases are pending in different courts across the country. Unless urgent steps are taken, the figure may cross 5 crore soon, he added.

Stating that technology can help in a big way in this regard, he said Rs 7,000 crore has been allocated in this year’s budget for e-court phase III for the purpose.

Among others, Supreme Court judge Justice BV Nagarathna, Chief Justices and Judges of High Courts and Solicitor General were present at the programme.