Madhya Pradesh is the first state in the country where village courts have been set up. At present, all the 89 village courts are functioning said law & legislative Affairs Minister Narottam Mishra addressing a conclave of Chief Ministers and Chief Justices of States in New Delhi on Sunday. Union law Minister Ashwini Kumar and Chief Justice of India Altamash Kabeer were specially present on the occasion. Madhya Pradesh High Court Chief Justice SA Bobde also participated in the conclave.
To strengthen judicial process at the tahsil and block level, Mishra said that there are total 20,010 Gram Panchayats in Madhya Pradesh. Due to lack of financial resources, it is not possible to set up separate village court at every Gram Panchayat. Despite this, the State Government has established large number of village courts in a short span of time. He said that village courts can be set up in all the villages if the Union Government agrees to bear entire expenses on the process.
Mishra said that `204.91 crore sanctioned for establishment of evening/morning time special courts is not adequate for posts of judges and staff. He urged to continue financial assistance and cooperation in establishment of e-courts. Dr. Mishra also demanded additional financial assistance for fast track courts saying that this will accelerate dispensation of justice in case of crimes against women. Culprits will be sentenced at the earliest.
Mishra said that the Madhya Pradesh government is committed to administer justice to weaker sections of society. He informed that posts of 92 district judge, 129 civil judge and 2372 posts of court staff have been created during the last 5 years. He informed that 10 percent more posts have been created of the cadre as per guidelines of the Supreme Court.
He said that the Union Government should bear 50 percent burden of 10 percent additional posts.
Mishra said that the State Government is striving for development of judicial infrastructure. As a result of it, buildings are being constructed for courts and judges. He laid emphasis on allocation of pending share worth `90 crore in Centrally-sponsored schemes by the Union Government.