State Government Prioritizes Judicial Infrastructure Development – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Foundation Stone Laid for New Civil Judge (Junior Division) Court Building in Mahad

Raigad : The state government has consistently allocated approximately ₹1,000 crore annually for judicial infrastructure development. Proposals received from the High Court Committee are promptly addressed to facilitate necessary works. Recognizing the importance of infrastructure in the judicial system, the state government has given special priority to its development, which will accelerate the pace of justice delivery, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The foundation stone for the new Civil Judge (Junior Division) Court building in Mahad, Raigad district, was laid by Supreme Court Justice Bhushan Gavai, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Addressing the gathering at the main event, Chief Minister Fadnavis emphasized the significance of judicial infrastructure in ensuring swift and efficient justice.

Significance of Mahad and Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Legacy

Mahad is a historic place known for its role in the struggles for self-rule, revolution, and equality. Referring to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Chavdar Tale (Mahad Satyagraha) movement, Fadnavis noted that it was not merely a fight for water access but a legal and social revolution that changed the course of the nation, bringing about equality and justice.

He assured that the new court building in Mahad would be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and completed in record time with full government support and funding.

Modernization of Justice Delivery System

Fadnavis highlighted the impact of three newly introduced criminal laws that will enhance crime investigation, justice delivery, and forensic procedures. The government has taken significant steps to reduce the need for physical court appearances by connecting all courts across the state via the internet and setting up notified cubicles linked to prisons. This will enable hearings through video conferencing, preventing case delays due to logistical issues.

Additionally, under the new laws, frequent adjournments will not be allowed, expediting case resolutions and enhancing the efficiency of the judiciary. The Chief Minister stressed that legal proceedings should be concluded swiftly and, where possible, disputes should be prevented altogether.

Establishment of International-Standard Law Schools

To enhance legal education, the government plans to establish international-standard law schools in Mumbai, Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. These institutions will help produce top-quality legal professionals, strengthening the justice system.

Demands and Recommendations

• Supreme Court Justice Bhushan Gavai acknowledged Maharashtra’s superior judicial infrastructure and called for the state government’s approval for an Additional District Court in Mahad.
• He also suggested that the first-ever Advocate Academy and Research Center in Navi Mumbai be named after Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and requested additional funds for the initiative.
• Justice Gavai recalled how Dr. Ambedkar personally represented satyagrahis in the Mahad court during the historic Chavdar Tale case.

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s Remarks

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reiterated the government’s commitment to speedy justice delivery. He mentioned that 32 new court buildings have been completed in the past three years, along with recruitment for vacant judicial posts and the digitization of court records. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in judicial processes will further accelerate justice delivery, ensuring that even the most marginalized citizens receive timely justice.

Other Key Announcements

• Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare expressed her joy over the long-awaited construction of the Mahad court building, stating that efforts had been ongoing since 2008. She urged the government to provide additional funds for its timely completion.
• Minister for Rural Employment Guarantee and Horticulture, Bharat Gogawale, requested approval for a protective wall and administrative building for the new court premises in Mahad.
• The release of the book Mahadcha Muktisangram (Mahad’s Liberation Struggle) by retired Justice Yashwant Chavare was also part of the event.

Tribute at Chavdar Tale

Before the event, Chief Minister Fadnavis and Deputy CM Shinde visited Chavdar Tale (Mahad Satyagraha site) and paid floral tributes to the statue of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Several dignitaries, including Minister Aditi Tatkare, Minister Bharat Gogawale, Divisional Commissioner Dr. Vijay Suryavanshi, Inspector General of Police Sanjay Darade, District Collector Kishan Jawale, and other officials, were present.