Rapping the state government for its apathy towards providing basic facilities like toilets and water coolers in courts, the Bombay High Court has asked the finance secretary to come out with a solution to utilise the sanctioned amount of Rs 5.38 crore. The court was informed that if the amount is not used by March 31 it would lapse. The court also observed that while the state government had money to spend on illegal hoardings, it was not forthcoming in providing facilities in courts. [related-post] Justices A S Oka and A P Bhangale were hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Litigants Association of Maharashtra, pointing out the pathetic condition of several courts where toilets are not cleaned for days and clean drinking water is not available. “The amount was supposed to be released six months back but was finally released on March 3, because of which it cannot be utilised. This will be a poor reflection on the state government. Take instructions from the finance secretary on whether the amount allocated will lapse. or come out with a solution by which it does not lapse,” said the Judges in their oral observations. The court will hear the matter on Tuesday. An amount of Rs 5.38 crore has been sanctioned by the government for providing toilets, waiting rooms and drinking water facilities for litigants in courts all across Maharashtra. The state government had in August last year sanctioned Rs 5.38 crores for providing toilets, water coolers and benches for litigants in courts across the state. However, the amount was released to the Public Works Department only on March 2 this year. The court was informed that if the amount is not used by March 31, it would lapse. A division bench of justices A S Oka and A P Bhangale was hearing a PIL filed by Litigants Association of Maharashtra claiming that in several courts basic facilities like toilets and water are not available. “The amount has been sanctioned so late and in a manner that it cannot be utilised. How can contractors be appointed at such short notice? This makes the government look bad. We do not want a situation where we pass orders for the amount to be utilised and tomorrow the finance department raises objection saying the amount has lapsed,” Justice Oka said. The court directed the finance secretary to come out with a solution by which the amount can be utilised. The matter has been posted for hearing tomorrow. mumbai.newsline@expressindia.com
