SC wants managers in all district courts

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed for the appointment of professionally qualified court managers, preferably with an MBA degree, for helping in administration in district courts of the country.

Issuing a slew of directions to all states to improve the court infrastructure, a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said prompt measures are to be undertaken and procrastination in these matters cannot brook delay, where Rule of Law is supreme.

"The post of court managers must be created in each judicial district for assisting the principal district judge. Such managers would enable the district judges to devote more time to their core work, that is, judicial functions. This, in turn, would enhance the efficiency of the district judicial system,” the court said.

The top court said it would be an appalling situation, requiring immediate attention, if basic amenities like adequate sitting space for litigants and public, lawyers, seating arrangement, proper lighting, electricity, functioning air conditioning, accessible clean drinking water with RO facility, hygienic washrooms for men, women and transgenders and physically handicapped, functioning canteen at nominal rates were not available in court complexes.

It also directed for establishing court complexes conducive for differently-abled people, help desks, electronic display boards, sufficient parking space creche facility, installation of CCTV cameras, solar panels video conferencing for speedy justice.

The court directed for sending its order to the chief secretaries of all states so that a committee can be formed to formulate the development plan as per the directions. The court put the matter arising out of a petition filed by All India Judges Association for further consideration on August 23.