Srinagar December 22: The High Court today said that it is an unfair, unreasonable and irresponsible act on part of the state government for having failed to establish village courts as these could provide speedy and inexpensive justice to rural people.
The court said establishing Dehi adalats, (village courts) is a critical issue but it has been shelved by the government despite repeated directions from the court.
“This inaction is very unfair, unreasonable and irresponsible act on part of the government”, a division bench hearing the matter said.
Expressing its displeasure over the government laziness, the court observed that it is very unfortunate that despite the legislation in place the state government has failed to establishment Dehi Adaalats in the state.
It said that despite repeated directions on the matter by the court, the government is seeking only time to inform the court about the steps if any taken to implement the Jammu and Kashmir Dehi Adalats Act, 2013.
Chief Secretary of the state, commissioner/secretary General Administration Department, commissioner/secretary Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs are already under direction to file the status report before the court on the issue.
However none has filed any report on the matter so far.
The judges warned the government that in case response is not filed, the court will proceed ahead with appropriate orders.
On the pattern of Gram Nyayalayas in other States of India, J&K government had decided to establish Dehi Adalats in state in 2013.
The adalats were to provide access to justice to rural people at their doorsteps and ensure that opportunity of speedy justice is not denied to any citizen by reason of social, economic and other disabilities.
“To the unfortunate affairs and the inaction of the state authorities, near about four years have passed since coming into force of the said Act, till date the respondents have failed to implement the Act”, the petitioner lawyer pleaded before the court.
