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Justice on the doorstep of villagers

Special Correspondent

Cabinet approves Bill to be introduced this session

NEW DELHI : The Cabinet on Thursday approved the introduction of a Bill to help to set up a countrywide, village-level judiciary system. It will be based on the modern system of judiciary.

Called "gram nyayalayas," the courts will be presided over by `Nyayadhikaris,' who will have the qualification for appointment as first class judicial magistrate.

The `nyayalayas' will follow a summary procedure in criminal cases and a simple procedure having regard to the principles of natural justice in civil cases. The `nyayadhikaris' will be appointed by the State Governments in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court.

The Bill is based on the recommendations contained in the Law Commission's 114th report.

The Centre will bear the entire non-recurring expenditure for the establishment of the "nyayalayas" and share with the States the recurring expenditure for the first three years. Thereafter the States will pick up the bill. The Centre's share of the recurring expenditure is estimated to cost the exchequer Rs. 324 crore a year.

Union Minister and Cabinet spokesperson Priyaranjan Dasmunsi said the Bill, to be introduced in the current session of Parliament, would provide a system of judiciary on the doorstep of the villagers, less expensive and free from political interference and protracted procedural wrangles. There were over two crore cases pending in the subordinate judiciary. The Bill would help reduce the load. Though it was a Central legislation, the States would have the choice to implement it or not.

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