Chandigarh: Crumbling walls, water seepage — At district consumer courts’ building, ordeal continues

While the initial proposal to shift the courts to mini-secretariat, Sector 1, was not fructified due to lack of space, another one to allot space in the District Courts Complex, Sector-1 has been hanging fire, despite availability of ample space on the second floor of the Complex.

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“Advocates and litigants have to face a harrowing time each time, as we have to move from District Courts, Sector 1 to the consumer court in Sector 12A to attend hearing in both the courts. A lot of time can be saved if the consumer court is also shifted to the District Courts Complex,” said lawyer Satyawan Ahlawat.

Space is still available in District Courts Complex, but since a former District and Session judge, Panchkula, said there was no scope to allow the shifting of the Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum to the Judicial Complex, “according to the present and future requirements of the courtrooms,” the proposal has not been considered.

Several letters were written highlighting the demand for an alternative site, but in vain. The president, State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, had even written to the president, National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, highlighting the dilapidated condition of the building and how it was unsuitable for running a court.

With weeds grown on the roof and walls, parts of the structure are on the verge of falling down. There is seepage in the walls and with electric wiring running alongside, there is risk of short circuit. There is no adequate firefighting system. Several records are spoiled every year due to moist conditions in dark, dingy rooms.

“The building is in ruins. With so many litigants and advocates visiting the court every day, it is unsafe,” said advocate Piyush Mittal.