Talk over shifting of HC kicks up a row

Hyderabad: Is the state government mulling to shift the High Court to Budvel? Despite official sources claiming that there was no such move for the present, a strong feeling among legal community is that the government was considering shifting of the High Court.

This gained credence as the State High Court has recently sent a letter to the state government asking it to re-examine its proposal to construct a new high court complex at Budvel.

Unhappy with speculations of such a move, lawyers of the Telangana State High Court on Thursday staged a protest under the banner of "Telangana High Court Parirakshana Samithi".

It may be mentioned here that 100 acres were allocated earlier for the construction of a new high court building at Budvel following a fire accident in the current premises.

However, the same was put on the back burner following the separate Telangana movement. Currently, 80 acres are available out of 100 acres allotted.

The proposals have resurfaced in the wake of another fire accident recently. Growing traffic congestion around the existing premises, and problems faced in the high court during monsoon, are said to be some of the reasons for the reviving the proposal to shift the High Court to Budvel.

Speaking to The Hans India, a top official in the State government said the government has not taken any decision on the proposal. However, the official concerned was reportedly asked by State Chief Secretary S K Joshi to examine the issue.

Another official from the Law department said, "Even if the government takes it up, it could not do immediately and it might take three to four years to complete the entire process," he added.

When contacted a senior advocate of the State High Court said that opinion of the representatives of the State High Court Advocates' Association and Bar Council of Telangana have been sought.

Repairs to any part of the existing structure cannot be taken up immediately as it is a heritage structure. Further, adding any new buildings within the existing premises is also not possible without demolishing some old ones.

The proposal if finalised would result not only in shifting of the High Court but would also include the judicial bodies like Company Tribunal, Telangana State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (TSCDRC), Central Administrative Tribunal, Debt Recovery Tribunal and others.

At present, the sources said litigants and advocates are shuttling around different places across the twin cities. Appellate Tribunal is in Ranga Reddy district while High Court is in Old City.

Construction of new complex housing all the judicial bodies at one place would make it convenient to both the people and the advocates, officials feel.