Amid a scorching heatwave gripping the national capital, the inadequacy of infrastructure in lower courts has come glaringly to the fore.
A recent incident at the Consumer Disputes Forum underscores this issue as the court was compelled to adjourn a hearing due to unbearable heat within the premises.
The bench, consisting of President Suresh Kumar Gupta, Member Harshali Kaur, and Member Ramesh Chand Yadav, voiced their dismay over the absence of basic amenities such as air-conditioning or even a cooler in the courtroom.
With temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius, the discomfort became palpable, impeding the proceedings.
In an official statement, the court lamented, “There is too much heat in the courtroom, which leads to sweating, and as such it is difficult to hear arguments. Moreover, there is no water supply, even to go to the washroom to ease ourselves.”
Consequently, the court deemed it impractical to continue with the arguments under such circumstances, adjourning the case until November 21, 2024.
This incident sheds light on the broader issue of inadequate infrastructure plaguing lower courts and tribunals across the country.
Tragically, the inadequacy of infrastructure has not only hindered judicial proceedings but also posed serious safety risks.
The report cites a harrowing incident at Biharsharif District Court, where a wall collapse claimed the life of a woman during court proceedings.
The urgent need for investment in judicial infrastructure is undeniable.
Beyond mere physical structures, courts must provide essential amenities such as proper ventilation, lighting, power backup, and video-conferencing facilities to ensure smooth operations and safeguard the well-being of all stakeholders.
Only through concerted efforts to address these deficiencies can the judiciary fulfill its mandate of dispensing justice effectively and efficiently.
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