Labour Court running from dilapidated building

Rachna Khaira

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, July 25

Exposing the injudicious attitude of the District Administration, the Labour Court is running from an old and dilapidated building from the last many years. Despite numerous representations made by advocates and officials, the administration has so far failed to provide an alternate place for the court.

Advocate Mohan Singh Sachdeva said the condition of the court building has further deteriorated in the ongoing rainy season. “The entire place seems to be haunted with roofs leaking from everywhere. Even the furniture of the court has also got damaged due to the moisture. There is no sitting place for the clients inside the court room. Even the fans and other electric equipments are also not working,” claimed Sachdeva. He said, “There is no retiring room for the incumbent judge of the Labour Court.”

While calling the lackadaisical attitude of the District Administration towards the dilapidated condition of the court disrespect to judiciary, Sachdeva said the court holds a significant place in the judicial hierarchy. “The court hears important matters pertaining to labour issues, safeguards the rights of the labourers and also keeps a vigil on the duties of the employers,” said Sachdeva. He further said no appeal can be filed against its order anywhere.

He also informed that though many well furnished rooms are available inside the district administrative complex housing the office of the deputy commissioner as well, the administration has refused to accommodate the court in any of these rooms.

“The complex also houses the offices of the Assistant Labour Commissioner and the Industrial department,” said Sachdeva.

Not only inside, the outside area also portrays a grim picture of utter neglect. Heaps of garbage outside the main door of the court room could be seen any time in a day.

There has been no storm sewer laid in the area that could flush out the rain water logged in front of the court room. Due to shortage of space inside the court room, client could be nowadays seen standing outside in rain waiting for their hearing.