Govt lists steps to meet infra needs of courts, judges

On March 5, 2011, the State government issued a GO for handing over to the Department of Law, Justice and Human Rights, 15 bungalows under construction in the area belonging to the Agro Industries Corporation Ltd., Hebbal.

These were for allotment of residential quarters to the High Court judges, according to the affidavit. The bungalows were originally proposed for the residential quarters of Cabinet ministers. An allocation of Rs 75 crore was made in the State Budget 2011-12 for the ongoing and new works being carried out by the Public Works Department. The affidavit was filed following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by the HSR Layout Sector II Residents’ Welfare Association. The Association had challenged the allocation of a playground in their vicinity for the construction of MLAs’ quarters.

The affidavit stated that by an order on February 15, the Government had given the necessary administrative approval for the construction of 43 court buildings at a cost of Rs 126 crore and 193 judicial quarters at an estimated cost of Rs 83.3 crore. Besides, the State Cabinet had approved a Rs 10.25- crore proposal to build a well-equipped canteen in the High Court premises.

The necessary administrative approval was given in January this year, and tenders had been invited for the construction of the building.

Through another GO on March 7, the BBMP had been directed to hand over to the PWD an area of 340 sq mt at the Mayo Hall, and 620 sq mt on the 23rd and 24th floor of the Public Utility Building, for use of the Judicial Department, the affidavit said.