The second phase construction of six more floors to house 18 more court halls, offices and chambers was also given a formal launch.

Chief Justice Cyriac Joseph inaugurated the new construction at a function organised by Advocates Association, Bangalore and PWD. Phase I works have cost the PWD, Rs 150 lakh, while Phase II constructions are estimated to cost Rs 300 lakh more.

Justice Subhash B Adi, HC Judge and former Administrative Judge of City Metropolitan Magistrate Courts, said that till date there were only 19 metropolitan magistrate courts functioning and each magistrate was over-burdened with about 3,000 cases. Such ratio was unfavourable for timely disposals, he said, while adding that still more facilities were necessary for the courts’ effective functioning.

Justice Ravi B Naik, HC judge and present Administrative Judge for these courts, said that the new building would house newly sanctioned 11 magistrate courts, 3 additional magistrate courts and proposed special courts for cyber crimes and counterfeit cases.

Chief Justice (CJ) Cyriac Joseph said that state judiciary was committed to ensure corruption free litigation system and was not showing lenience to the corrupt. All stakeholders have a role to play in this regard, he said while stressing that judges, lawyers, court staff and litigants had to be sensitised. Whatever negligible corruption is existing in the judiciary, litigants are also responsible for the same as abettors, he commented. In the past one or two years, huge amounts had been spent for court buildings, furniture, judicial officers’ chambers and bar association buildings, stated CJ.

CJ used the occasion to explain that there was no difference of opinion between himself or the High Court and Advocates or the Advocates’ Association. Some self-styled leaders among advocates had spoken against HC’s decision to shift family courts to the new building on Siddaiah Road. The decision was taken after consulting the office-bearers of Advocates Association, he said.