The Delhi Government has shown eagerness for sending a proposal to Union Law Ministry for the extension of jurisdiction of Delhi High Court to entire National Capital Region (NCR). Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Tuesday evening assured the members of Delhi Bar Associations including members of Delhi High Court Bar Association who called upon her to present a memorandum to this effect. Presently, the jurisdiction of Delhi High Court is restricted to localities of Union Territory of Delhi.
The meeting was led by KC Mittal, president Delhi High Court Bar Association. In the meeting, he said that at the time of initiating NCR concept, it was presumed that development of NCR would ease the pressure of Delhi and that the Delhi High Court would have jurisdiction of entire NCR. However, the residents of Haryana and Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar, Bagpat, Meerut districts in UP are forced to approach their respective High Courts to seek justice.
He said that it results in huge expenditure and long travelling hence making the delivery of justice more and more expensive, which is against natural principle of justice. With extension of territorial jurisdiction of Delhi High Court, it would become easy and convenient to legal fraternity and residents of these districts. Moreover, Delhi High Court with extended jurisdiction would become convenient for all parties to approach in no time with transport facilities including Metro being made available.
The Chief Minister appreciated the concept and assured to make a beginning to achieve this ultimate goal for the betterment of people living in Delhi and NCR. She also promised to take up the issue and write to the Member Law & Justice, Chief Justice of India and Chief Justice of Delhi High Court. Mittal also facilitated the Chief Minister and expressed the Bar's gratitude for providing 122.69 crore for automatic multi-level parking at the High Court. This is going to be unique project coming up for the first time in any High Court in India.
Source: The Pioneer 17/July/2008