Considering the larger public interest, the High Court has said that it is necessary to shift the High Court from Nainital. A division bench of Chief Justice Ritu Bahri and Justice Rakesh Thapliyal has asked the Chief Secretary (CS) of the state to suggest a suitable location for the High Court within a month. Also, instructions have been given to the Registrar General of the High Court to create a portal. In which suggestions should be taken from the advocates and general public whether they are in favor of shifting the High Court from Nainital or not. It has also been said in the order that 75 percent of the land selected for the High Court in Gaulapar is forest and dense forest. Construction by cutting trees there is not appropriate. Even the High Court is not in favor of this. The next hearing of this case will be on June 25, 2024.
It is necessary to shift the High Court from Nainital
In the detailed order of the division bench in the court shifting case, the High Court has said that there are difficulties faced by litigants and young advocates in Nainital, lack of medical services and connectivity. Apart from this, in view of the state government being a party in more than 75 percent of the cases in the court and the expenses incurred in TA and DA for officers and employees coming to Nainital, it is necessary to shift the High Court from Nainital. On May 8, during the hearing of a case related to IDPL Rishikesh, Chief Secretary Radha Raturi and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister RK Sudhanshu were present through video conferencing. On Thursday afternoon itself, the side of the High Court Bar Association and advocates was also heard. In view of these facts and circumstances, the Court has prepared a process to expeditiously resolve the issue of shifting the High Court from Nainital.
Chief Secretary and committee will submit report to the court by June 7
The High Court has directed the Chief Secretary to identify the most suitable land for the establishment of the High Court, accommodation for judges, judicial officers-staff, court rooms, conference hall, chambers for at least seven thousand advocates, canteen, parking space. Have given instructions. Where there are good medical facilities and good connectivity. This process will be completed by the Chief Secretary within a month. She will submit her report to the High Court by June 7, 2024. In this matter, a committee has also been formed under the chairmanship of the Registrar General. In which Principal Secretary of Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs, Principal Secretary Home, two senior advocates, one member nominated from Uttarakhand State Bar Council, Chairman from Bar Council of India and one other member will be the members of this committee. This committee will also submit a sealed report to the High Court by June 7, 2024, after taking the opinion of the concerned parties. The outcome of the Government’s recommendations and options regarding suitable land for the establishment of the High Court will be placed before the Chief Justice.
