Need for professional mgmt of courts, says Chief Justice

Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 2

Justice Gita Mittal, Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, on Sunday called for professional management of judicial institutions with regard to infrastructure, automation and aesthetics.

She said personnel deployed for the purpose had to be well equipped with necessary training on a periodical basis.

“The court managers have a crucial role in ensuring a congenial atmosphere in the courts and an environment where in the judicial officers are able to concentrate on work for dispensing justice,” Justice Mittal said at the valedictory function of the two-day regional conference on ‘Enhancing Excellence in Judicial Institutions: Challenges and Opportunities’ here on Sunday afternoon.

The Chief Justice said a mechanism would have to be evolved to examine the need for the court managers for the subordinate judicial institutions as well as to ensure appropriate environment for both judicial officers and the litigant public.

“At the same time, the court managers should focus on aesthetics like landscaping and provision of basic amenities, especially health and hygiene. There is a need for sensitising the community on healthy environment and generating awareness in this regard,” Justice Mittal said.

Justice G Raghuram, Director, National Judicial Academy, while talking about the challenges faced by the judiciary, emphasised continuous promotion of quality legal education and appropriate funding for ensuring a good working environment for the judicial officers and staff.

Expressing optimism that the regional conference would add to the skills and knowledge of the participating judges for enhanced deliverance of justice, Justice Raghuram appreciated the Jammu and Kashmir High Court and the State Judicial Academy for their commendable performance despite numerous challenges, besides topographical difficulties in the state.

Justice Sunil Ambwani, former Chief Justice, Rajasthan High Court, while addressing the session on court management and information and communication technology in courts, dwelt in detail on e-committee and e-courts projects in the country, besides highlighting the broader contours of court and case management.