The Hindu : National : 3,000 village courts to function soon

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National

3,000 village courts to function soon

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Union Minister for Law and Justice H.R. Bhardwaj on Saturday announced that 3,000 gram nyayalayas (village courts) would start functioning within a month across the country.

Inaugurating a conference organised by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) on the “Need for Strengthening Alternate dispute Resolution in India,” Mr. Bhardwaj said he had convened a meeting of Chief Justices of all High Courts and Accountant-Generals on February 2 to bring into force the new arrangement for speedy dispensation of justice at the lower level where over 2.5 crore cases were pending disposal.

Rs. 600-cr. sanctioned

The Minister said the Union Cabinet had sanctioned Rs. 600 crore, with each court being granted Rs. 20 lakh. The Centre intended to fund 50 per cent of the salaries of the judges for three years and the State would have to bear the entire burden thereafter.

Mr. Bhardwaj underlined his intention to amend the Arbitration and Conciliation Act and said a draft document had been prepared which aimed at resolving civil and commercial disputes through mediation and conciliation. He said the Singapore model was being studied where the arbiter was required to return his fees if he failed to arbiter within 40 days. He said the United Progressive Alliance government was against entering into litigation where payments had to be made to a commercial organisation or a foreign company as delays in court matters earned the country a bad name.

Mr. Bhardwaj, however, did not spare the business community for delaying the judicial proceedings or settlements and then trying to secure a favourable ruling.

Supreme Court Judge Justice Mukundakam Sharma supported amendments in the Act not only favouring institutionalised arbitration but also in the concept of filing an appeal.

He advocated the international format dispensing with the appeal mechanism and to be governed by a model formulated by the apex court. He said it was cost beneficial.

Arbitration centre

Delhi High Court Chief Justice A.P. Shah said an arbitration centre would be set up in the Delhi High Court within six months. To be regulated by a trust comprising judges, retired judges and lawyers would be required to solve the cases within 18 months.

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