Shri Deepak Mohan Spolia,
Chief Secretary,
Government of NCT of Delhi,
New Delhi.
Sub: REVIVAL OF COMMITTEE AS DIRECTED BY THE HON’BLE HIGH COURT OF DELHI TO CONSIDER OUR REQUEST FOR REVIEW OF THE JURISDICTION OF SOUTH-WEST DISTRICT.
Sir,
This is to bring to your kind notice that vide Notification No. PS.DIV.COV/Misc.2011/1948 dated 11.09.2012, Delhi Cantt. and Vasant Vihar Sub Divisions have been shifted from the South-West District to New Delhi District. According to this Notification, the areas closer to Dwarka court Complex, Like I.G.I. Airport, Sagarpur, Bagrola, Shahbad Mohammadpur, which are touching the boundaries of Dwarka Court, have been shifted to New Delhi District. The enclosed sheet gives a comparison of distance from various locations in South-West, Delhi, to Dwarka and other courts.
Whereas the areas like Rajokri, Nangal Devat, Samalkha, Ghitorni, Pochanpur, Mahipalpur, Rangpuri, Masoodpur, Vasant Gaon, Sagarpur, Naraina, Shahabad, Madhopur, Delhi Cantt, Todapur, etc. are in the proximity of 7-8 km of Dwarka Court, while, Patiala House Court is far from these areas, which is around 20-25 km. It is also a punishment to travel in rush hours – unnecessary to the litigants as well as lawyers, and will also result in wastage of time, fuel, money and congestion on roads. Hence, you will kindly appreciate; it is in total contravention of the concept propounded by the Hon’ble Supreme Court at the time of bifurcation, i.e. “Justice at Door Step”.
The shifting/delineation of these two sub-divisions from South District to New District would lead to several undesirable consequences. First and foremost, the public/ litigants, specially women and elderly persons, residing in these areas would be compelled to unnecessarily travel a long distance to Patiala House Courts, where New Delhi District is going to shift.
The area around Patial House court is already overcrowded and the addition of these two sub-divisions would lead to further increase the rush thus, additing to the already chaotic traffic situation. The Courts start functioning at 10.00 A.M. and it is during this peak period when the traffic from the Airport also converges on the VIP route, i.e. Sardar Patel Marg, choking the arterial roads upto Patiala House via Teen Murti and Akbar road, which will have serious consequences for the general public as also VIP movement.
As you are aware Charles Correa, the famous architect, has already opined that on more roads can be added to Delhi.
The Dwarka Court complex was created at a cost of several hundred crores, which was inaugurated in the year 2008, wherein almost half of the Court rooms are still vacant. The creation of two more Districts and argument behind this is totally unreasonable and illogical in the present circumstances once these Court Complexes will not be fully utilized.
On the other hand, most of the judges do not have adequate number of cases; while, because of the shifting of work to Patiala House court, it will be overloaded, thus delaying justice delivery. This will further frustrate the concept of “Justice at Door Step”.
It was discussed/ agreed in the meeting held on 19.9.2012 in the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s Office at Delhi Secretariat in the presence of all concerned officials that a high powered Committee will be constituted to review the boundaries of the newly constituted 11 District Courts. As the Dwarka Court is mostly affected by this distribution, we respectfully pray that constitution of the Committee be expedited. We also pray that till this is done the implementation of the above Notification be stayed.
It is worth mentioning that in the year 2008, nine Election Districts had already been created in Delhi, dividing all 70 assembly constituencies equally. On these lines the division of nine Civil Districts were also worked out by committee formed by Hon’ble Court of Delhi.
Under the circumstances explained above, the Advocates at Dwarka Court are feeling ignored and are strongly agitating against the reorganization of the jurisdiction. The Dwarka Bar Association and other Bar Associations including Bar Council are protesting the same.
We, therefore, urge upon your goodself to issue necessary directions for withdrawal of the Notification mentioned above or, in the alternative, to reorganize the revenue/ judicial districts as per the policy of the Hon’ble Supreme Court for “justice at Door Step”.
Thanking you in anticipation and awaiting for a favourable response.
With kind regards,
P.S. Singh
HONY. SECRETARY