During a meeting held on March 14, the state cabinet approved administrative sanction for the construction of Block A at the Mangalore District Court Complex, announced Prithviraj Rai, President of the Mangalore Bar Association. The decision comes in response to the pressing need for additional facilities at the Court Hill complex, which currently houses nearly 26 courts.
Rai emphasized the necessity for expansion due to factors such as the introduction of new methods of alternative justice delivery, emerging types of litigation, digital technology implementation, and the demand for better amenities for lawyers and litigants. Moreover, the permanent Lok Adalat, presently housed in a rented premise, is slated to be relocated to the court complex for enhanced accessibility.
The proposed project, totaling Rs 123 crore, received approval for Block A, comprising five floors. Notably, the fifth floor will feature a recreated old principal district and sessions judge court hall, serving as part of a museum exhibit. Despite the approval of Block A, the Bar Association urges the government to sanction Block B to address existing challenges.
Block B, an integral component of the project, aims to provide space for the permanent Lok Adalat, enhance parking facilities, introduce a canteen for advocates, establish a rest and study room, and offer video conferencing capabilities. Rai expressed optimism that elected representatives from coastal Karnataka would champion the cause to secure approval for Block B, thereby ensuring the comprehensive development of the court complex.
