CM seeks High Court Bench in Puducherry

Source: thehindu.com

Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy has called for constituting a Bench of the Madras High Court in Puducherry.

Addressing a State-level conference on legal services and Motor Accident Mediation Cells in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry hosted by the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority and the Union Territory of Puducherry Legal Services Authority, Mr. Narayanasamy said a Bench of the High Court in Puducherry on the lines of the one set up in Madurai was a felt need in the Union Territory.

The Chief Minister said he had raised the demand with Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad who responded to the plea in a positive manner. He sought the support of the Supreme Court judges in this regard.

Stressing the growing importance of mediation as an alternative dispute redressal mechanism, Mr. Narayanasamy extended all support to expanding the mechanism.

Supreme Court Judge Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul highlighted the need for training the fraternity of judges and lawyers and increasing awareness among the litigant public on the advantages of mediation.

He wanted judges to keep the order open for a mediated settlement of disputes even if a couple of attempts failed to succeed.

Mr. Justice Kaul, who visited the renovated Old Court building, a sea-facing heritage structure, said the quality of restoration in a collaborative effort of the Public Works Department and the INTACH “exceeded his expectations”. This, he said, went to show that challenging tasks could be accomplished through collective effort.

Judges of the Madras High Court Justices Vineet Kothari, S. Manikumar and M. Govindaraj and members of the legal fraternity were present.